The Mahon Tribunal - Taoiseach’s evidence is undermined

SO, ANOTHER strand of the Taoiseach’s evidence to the Mahon Tribunal is in conflict with the recollections of those who are in a position to substantiate his story.

Yesterday, an obviously upset and stressed Gráinne Carruth, Mr Ahern’s secretary in his constituency office between 1987 and 1999, had to tearfully concede that she had “in all probability” lodged stg£15,555, in 1994 and on Mr Ahern’s instructions, to various accounts at the Irish Permanent Building Society in Drumcondra.

This concession was made after Ms Carruth had been advised by the tribunal to reconsider evidence she had given on Wednesday, when she was unable to resolve contradictions in that testimony.