Kenny rejects allegations he misled the Dáil over Anglo tapes

A spokesman for the Taoiseach has "completely rejected" allegations that Enda Kenny misled the Dáil over the Anglo Tapes.

It has emerged today that Mr Kenny had contacted senior figures within Anglo in 2008, before the bank was nationalised, to brief them on government policy.

Before now the Taoiseach had only revealed a single meeting with Anglo, in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition.

Last month Enda Kenny told the Dáil that he and Richard Bruton had visited Anglo Irish Bank in October 2008, to discuss the impact of the bank guarantee.

At the time he did not disclose any other contact with senior figures at the bank.

Today's Sunday Independent carries details of emails exchanged between Matt Moran, the chief financial officer at Anglo in 2008, and deputies Enda Kenny and Beverly Flynn - all three of whom are from Castlebar in Co Mayo.

In emails sent to David Drumm, Mr Moran said he had been briefed by Enda Kenny about some of the government's possible options for Anglo - including a takeover by Bank of Ireland, or a merger with some other institutions.

Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin said it appeared the Taoiseach had misled the Dáil about the extent of his dealings with Anglo, and called for a comprehensive statement from Mr Kenny about his engagement with Anglo.

However a Government spokesman said he "completely rejected" any allegations about the Dáil being misled.

He said any contact with Anglo was simply aimed at highlighting the possible impact on the taxpayer and on jobs.