Martin: Taoiseach 'did nothing ethically wrong'
Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin has come out in support of the Taoiseach as he prepares to face Dáil questions about the payments he received from businessmen in 1993 and 1994.
Mr Ahern admitted last night that he received a total of £39,500 (€49,500) from several wealthy friends at a time when he was struggling to meet costs associated with his separation from his former wife.
However, Minister Martin said this morning that the Taoiseach had nothing to answer for.
"He has broken no law and he has not in my view contravened anything ethical," said Martin.
"He has been an outstanding successful Taoiseach for the country and no-one can take that from him."
Mr Ahern has said the money was a loan, but he had yet to pay it back because the donors had refused to accept it.
He also admitted that he had subsequently appointed a number of the donors to State boards, but he said he did so because they were friends, not because they had given him money.
The Opposition has expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation and is vowing to press the Taoiseach on the matter when the Dáil resumes today.
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