FG want Ahern to discuss Flynn allegations
Opposition parties today demanded the suspension of Dáil business this week for a debate on renewed allegations about former cabinet minister and ex-European Commissioner Padraig Flynn.
Fine Gael's Richard Bruton said Taoiseach Bertie Ahern should make a statement to the Dáil about the financial affairs of his one-time government colleague.
The move followed reports that fresh allegations were set to emerge about Mr Flynn at an on-going tribunal of inquiry into planning irregularities, and claims that the former minister failed to report allegations of bribery to the police in an attempt to keep the matter secret.
Mr Ahern has refused to comment on reports that a controversial IR£50,000 cheque given by a developer to Mr Flynn in 1989 was lodged into a non-resident bank account in his and his wife’s names, and that half of this was later invested offshore.
That incident has also been said to involve Mr Flynn’s daughter Beverly Cooper Flynn, a Fianna Fáil TD.
Mr Bruton said: “We should suspend Dáil business to give both the Taoiseach (Mr Ahern) and Beverly Cooper Flynn an opportunity to explain these matters.
“These are matters of trust in the Government as it now stands. It should be done this week and not delayed.”
Mr Bruton said he believed Mr Ahern would recognise the issues would have to be cleared up.
“If they are left hanging, they damage the country and the capacity of this Government to retain the trust of people. I think he will see this has to be done.”
