The Taoiseach will finally take the stand at the Mahon tribunal this afternoon to answer claims by Mr Tom Gilmartin that he was among a group of Ministers who met the London-based property developer in 1989.
It emerged yesterday that despite repeated statements from Mr Ahern of his desire to give evidence as soon as possible, his own counsel last week turned down a proposal that he give evidence on Monday last because of EU related diary commitments.
Statements made on the Taoiseach's behalf since then that he was "extremely disappointed" at delays led the tribunal chairman, Judge Alan Mahon, yesterday to lay the blame for the hold-up at Mr Ahern's door.
The Government yesterday confirmed the statement by Judge Mahon that Mr Ahern's counsel had asked last week that the Taoiseach not appear until after the cross- examination of Mr Gilmartin had finished.
Mr Ahern's counsel, Mr Conor Maguire SC, yesterday accepted an offer for the Taoiseach to give evidence this afternoon, an offer which the judge said had been there "for some days past".
Mr Ahern is expected to repeat today evidence he has already given in a written statement that he has no recollection of a meeting with other ministers and Mr Gilmartin in 1989 to discuss the developer's plans.
Six other ministers said by Mr Gilmartin to have attended the alleged meeting either deny it took place or say they cannot recall such a meeting. On Monday Ms Mary O'Rourke backed up Mr Gilmartin's account, saying she briefly attended such a meeting at which Mr Ahern was present.
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