Taoiseach 'being treated as defendant, not witness'
The Taoiseach's lawyers have claimed this morning he is being treated as a defendant and not a witness at the Mahon Tribunal.
However, both the tribunal judges and counsel for the inquiry have denied that they are pursuing an agenda.
Bertie Ahern's legal representatives say they are objecting to a hypothesis put forward yesterday by counsel for the tribunal, which seemed to suggest that Mr Ahern may not be telling the truth about his personal finances.
Mr Ahern's lawyers say they should have been given notice of the hypothesis, which they claim is not supported by any evidence.
They claim the Taoiseach is being pilloried.
However, Judge Alan Mahon says every witness should know that evidence will be challenged, at times vigorously, and there is freedom for a witness to reject or deny any matter suggested.
The judge says the tribunal is satisfied that detailed cross-examination is appropriate and Mr Ahern is not being treated any differently to other witnesses.
