Cowen defends Ahern's position as FF leader

The Tánaiste, Brian Cowen, came in for Opposition criticism in the Dáil this afternoon as he was forced to defend the Taoiseach's position as Fianna Fáil leader after questions about Bertie Ahern's latest appearance at the Mahon Tribunal.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny told the Dáil that assurances given by Bertie Ahern last year about his tax affairs being in order had now been shown to be false, and he asked Brian Cowen to take immediate action.

"I want to know Tánaiste - as deputy leader of the Government and as Minister for Finance - what action you propose to rectify the situation, and remove the paralysis from Government," Mr Kenny said.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore also claimed it was now up to Brian Cowen to tell Bertie Ahern to leave office.

The Tánaiste responded by reminding Enda Kenny that the Government had recently backed his motion of confidence in the Mahon tribunal, and said the Dáil had a responsibility to wait until the inquiry had concluded its business.

"Deputy, with all due respect, we will await the outcome of the tribunal of enquiry - we will await the hearing of all evidence," Mr Cowen said.

"As regards my standards, Deputy, I don't need lectures from you on my standards.

"My standards relate to fair play, relate to the hearing of the evidence, and they certainly don't relate to people being guilty before being proven innocent."