The Taoiseach’s brother Noel Ahern has said he is "surprised" at Minister for the Environment John Gormley’s call for the Taoiseach to clarify contradictions in the evidence given to the Mahon tribunal about his financial affairs.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Irelandprogramme today, Noel Ahern, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said he was surprised at Mr Gormley's comments as he was the minister responsible for the tribunal. "He probably felt stampeded into it by what the PDs said," Mr Ahern said.
Minister for Health Mary Harney yesterday called on the Taoiseach to address the public disquiet.
Mr Ahern claimed her comments should be seen in the context of the leadership campaign under way within the Progressive Democrats.
On the same programme, one of the founders of the PDs, Paul McKay, said there was huge "disquiet" among PD members. He said Ms Harney, the acting party leader, had not shown proper leadership on the issue and should resign from Government.
The Green Party leader yesterday called for clarification following the tribunal testimony of the Taoiseach’s former constituency secretary, Gráinne Carruth. However, he did not specify a timescale.
"There is evidence of growing public interest in this issue and there are concerns. More information from the Taoiseach would help here," he said. "I think the Taoiseach is a very experienced politician. I think he knows it's in his best interest and that of his party and the country at large that a clarifying statement is made."
Earlier, Ms Harney had said: "What I am saying is that public disquiet has to be dispelled, and that is a matter for the Taoiseach. Only the Taoiseach can dispel that public disquiet. I'm not being specific about what the Taoiseach should actually do."
She was commenting following a similar call by party colleague Senator Fiona O'Malley. Ms O’Malley today rejected Mr Ahern’s comments about the leadership contest.
A spokesman for the Taoiseach said last night Mr Ahern would deal with the events raised in Ms Carruth's evidence during his evidence to the Mahon tribunal at a date yet to be finalised. Mr Ahern is not listed to appear at the tribunal until after May 20th.