Tribunal judge clashes with Ahern

A tribunal judge has clashed with Bertie Ahern during his evidence at the Mahon Tribunal today.

The exchange came during questioning by Judge Gerald Keyes about plans for a National Stadium in west Dublin in the early 1990s and the part played in the project by the late Liam Lawlor and his son Niall.

Mr Ahern says he did not know that Liam Lawlor was to have a large share in the project.

The Tribunal is investigating plans for a national stadium at Neilstown in west Dublin.

In March of 1993, Bertie Ahern travelled to Los Angeles and while there met with representatives of Chilton and O'Connor - who were involved in plans to construct the stadium.

Liam Lawlor was to have a large share in this stadium and that at the time his son Niall was living in the US and working with Chilton and O'Connor.

Niall Lawlor did not attend the meeting with Mr Ahern but it has emerged that he did attend a function at which Mr Ahern was a guest.

Judge Gerald Keyes this morning pressed Mr Ahern at length on the issue but during a tense exchange Mr Ahern stressed that he does not remember meeting Niall Lawlor at the function and does not know what they talked about.

Counsel for Mr Ahern objected to the tone of the exchange saying Judge Keyes questions were based on speculation and it is clear that he has made up his mind.

Judge Keyes however said he felt he was entitled to ask the questions that he did.