Ahern loan crisis - Odds are McDowell will be appeased

Whether or not the quality of accountability from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern relating to payments from businessmen more than a decade ago is enough to meet the criteria of the Progressive Democrats remains to be seen today.

Given that those standards are now tinged with a political expediency, which leans towards the Progressive Democrats continued participation in government, the odds are that Tánaiste and Justice Minister Michael McDowell will be appeased.

The “debt of honour” which formed part of the Taoiseach’s financial discomfort will probably become some perverse code of honour now that the original loan, and interest, has been discharged.