The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, rejected the assertion that all of the Fianna Fail party should be blamed for Mr Charles Haughey's actions. "I am no more responsible for the misdemeanours of Charles Haughey than Deputies John Bruton, Dick Spring or Proinsias De Rossa are responsible for the misdemeanours of their colleague in government, Deputy Michael Lowry.
"All of us took government decisions on the basis of the best information available to us at the time, on the political judgment of colleagues that we trusted, and our view of the country's best interest. If there was covert manipulation from ulterior motives, and I reiterate that the tribunal found no evidence of political impropriety, then none of us were aware of it at the time.
"It has been suggested that we in Fianna Fail should have been more inquisitive as to how Mr Haughey's lifestyle was maintained. It may well be that we should have been more questioning, although it is hardly the norm to assume that wealth must always have been improperly acquired. I note that this suggestion has been made by, among others, persons who not only supported Mr Haughey in government, but also by some who served with him in government."
ail, in government and in opposition, was more contested than any other leader, and people made their choices and took decisions on the facts as then known." Mr Ahern said it was easy after the McCracken report to say "it should have been obvious" but then the gift of 20/20 hindsight brought with it great wisdom. Mr Liam T Cosgrave (FG) was unanimously elected Leas Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.