McDowell fields opposition fire over payments controversy
The Tánaiste Michael McDowell has been coming under intense fire in the Dáil today over his stance on the payments received by the Taoiseach in 1993 and 1994.
The new Progressive Democrats leader took the Order of Business in the Dáil this morning as Bertie Ahern is attending an engagement in Co Cavan.
Last night, Mr McDowell said Mr Ahern's decision to accept £39,000 from wealthy businessmen and friends at the time of his marriage break-up was "ill-advised" and an "error of judgement".
However, he also said he accepted that the Taoiseach's actions were "neither dishonest nor corrupt".
Mr Ahern has also admitted receiving Stg£8,000 (€12,000) for a speaking engagement in Manchester at the time.
Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Mr McDowell was proposing amendments to ethics legislation that would ensure government ministers cannot receive interest-free loans.
However, he said the minister now seemed to be taking it upon himself to decide whether such payments are right or wrong.
"Your determination of the Taoiseach's action as being an honest error of judgement is simply incredible in your capacity as Minister for Justice and as Tánaiste," he said.
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte, meanwhile, said it appeared the PDs were only defending Mr Ahern in order to keep the current government in power.
However, Mr McDowell defended his actions and said the PDs were elected to power and would be discharging that mandate "so that the Irish people get the kind of government they need and deserve".
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