Taoiseach denied a basic legal right

SERIOUS issues were raised by the Taoiseach’s counsel, Conor Maguire, during the recent session of the Mahon Tribunal regarding what was termed its unfair procedures.

Specifically it was revealed that the tribunal was withholding documents from the Taoiseach’s counsel. It was also revealed that it had written to a number of stockbrokers and they had replied saying they had not given money to Bertie Ahern and he had not sought money from them.

This correspondence had been withheld by the tribunal for reasons not apparent.

Mr Maguire pointed out this information was relevant in helping Ahern to defend himself.

This is a basic right in any court in the land, but not at tribunal, it seems.

Even with this information revealed, the tribunal still does not accept that the Taoiseach is being treated unfairly. Strange times we live in.

And we are now supposed to wait for an unbiased and impartial report from the tribunal on this issue.

I won’t be holding my breath.

Cllr Gareth Crowe

Foxrock

Dublin 18