Ahern attacks 'prying' tribunal
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has launched a stinging attack on the Mahon Tribunal, describing it as 'prurient and prying'.
In an interview in today's Sunday Independent, Mr Ahern strongly criticises the tribunal lawyers' methods of questioning and claims it is "not beyond question or reproach".
He says the type of questioning he faced at the inquiry "went beyond the bounds of common decency", adding that questions bout who is or is not allowed into his bedroom is not appropriate.
He says none of this has anything to do with allegations about payments made to him in the 1990s.
The Fianna Fáil leader is also defending his tax affairs which are now under scrutiny, insisting that he has always complied with his tax obligations.
And he says attempts to reveal confidential tax information will challenge confidence in the system.
