Businessman refuses to explain passports controversy

The English businessman at the centre of the Bertie Ahern casino controversy has reportedly refused to explain why he sought the Taoiseach's help in securing an Irish passport in 1994.

Reports this morning reveal that Norman Turner also declined to say why he is refusing to co-operate with the Mahon Tribunal when he was approached outside his Swiss home yesterday.

Instead Mr Turner said: "You should be proud of your Taoiseach".

Mr Ahern helped Mr Turner get an Irish passport in 1994, the same year the businessman donated $10,000 to Fianna Fáil.

Mr Turner was entitled to the passport as his mother is Irish and it remains unclear why he needed Mr Ahern's help to secure one.