Burton: Taoiseach needs to clarify Anglo dealings

The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Joan Burton has called on the Taoiseach Brian Cowen to clarify all the dealings he has had with the former Chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, Sean Fitzpatrick.

The Sunday Times has reported today on contacts between Mr Cowen and Mr Fitzpatrick in March and July 2008 - critical junctures before the introduction of the State's bank guarantee.

Anglo Irish Bank has cost the State €34bn to date under that guarantee.

The Labour Party's spokesperson on Finance Joan Burton said the Taoiseach needs to clarify what he knew of the bank’s balance sheet in the period before the guarantee.