State Papers: Ahern and Andrews opposed 1993 bill on standards and transparency

Bertie Ahern and David Andrews objected to a bill aimed at improving transparency in public office, writes Seán McCárthaigh

(Left to right) David Andrews and Bertie Ahern. Mr Andrews – claimed the legislation was 'very extreme and quite unwarranted'. File photo: RollingNews.ie

 Former taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, was among the strongest opponents within the Fianna Fáil-Labour coalition government against the proposed introduction of the Ethics in Public Office Act with a number of specific objections including against the requirement for office holders to declare the interests of their spouses and children.

Newly released files by the National Archives show Mr Ahern, as minister for finance in November 1993, objected to various elements of the draft legislation being championed by the tánaiste and minister for foreign affairs, Dick Spring, which was designed to provide greater public transparency about politicians.