Half-hearted admission by Taoiseach

IT took a big dose of mature recollection for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to finally admit the possibility of an “informal” encounter with Tom Gilmartin at Leinster House in February 1989.

Arguably, he had no option. There can be little doubt this Road to Damascus conversion was attributable to the unwavering clarity of Senator Mary O’Rourke’s recollection of meeting Mr Gilmartin at a “gathering” of ministers which included Mr Ahern.

Up to now, Mr Ahern’s position could well be paraphrased in the celebrated question: Meeting, what meeting?