Taoiseach faces new controversy over Turner passport

The Taoiseach is battling a new controversy after it emerged last night that a passport for Manchester businessman Norman Turner was channelled through his (Mr Ahern's) office while he was Minister for Finance in 1994.

Mr Turner, who donated $10,000 to Fianna Fáil in the same year, was behind the controversial plan to build a casino in the Phoenix Park in the 1990s.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach has denied that any impropriety was involved and says Mr Turner was entitled to a passport as his mother was Irish.

However, Fine Gael, which uncovered the latest revelation following a Dáil question, says Mr Ahern should explain the extent of his relationship to Mr Turner.

It also says it will be sending the information to the Mahon Tribunal and is calling on the Greens and the PDs to confront Mr Ahern about the situation.

Meanwhile, the Dáil is due to continue debating a motion today expressing confidence in the tribunal.

Speaking during the first phase of the debate last night, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore both accused Fianna Fáil of disgraceful conduct in the way it has repeatedly attacked the tribunal.