Michael Noonan's position 'untenable' if he refuses to appear before PAC: Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin has said Michael Noonan's position will become untenable if he refuses to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Sinn Féin has said Michael Noonan's position as Minister for Finance will become untenable if he refuses to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Last week, The Comptroller and Auditor General found Nama incurred losses of £162m on deals linked to Northern Ireland properties, the vast majority from Project Eagle.

The committee is to invite the Minister for Finance to give evidence as part of its investigation into Project Eagle.

Yesterday, Minister Leo Varadkar indicated his cabinet colleague will not appear before PAC and he accused the opposition of conducting a witch hunt.

However, Mary Lou Mc Donald said it would be totally unacceptable for Minister Noonan to avoid giving evidence, adding: "Having failed to protect the taxpayer's interests in the Project Eagle scenario, he must now come before the committee to make an account of himself and take questions.

"Any suggestion that he would refuse…would render his position untenable."