Cabinet to discuss new political ethics guidelines
The Cabinet is expected to agree to the introduction of new ethics guidelines for politicians when it holds its weekly meeting later today.
The Tánaiste and Progressive Democrats leader, Michael McDowell, is understood to be seeking the changes in response to the controversy surrounding payments to the Taoiseach in the 1990s.
Mr McDowell wants new guidelines to specifically cover loans and gifts of the type Mr Ahern received from a number of businessmen in 1993 and 1994.
The amendments due to be discussed by the Cabinet today will finally resolve the issues that almost led to the collapse of the Government last week.
A statement marking a formal end to the payments controversy is expected later this afternoon.
