In a statement to the Dáil on September 10th, 1997, Mr Ray Burke, Minister for Foreign Affairs at the time, described as "a totally unsolicited political contribution" the £30,000 given to him by Mr James Gogarty on behalf of Joseph Murphy Structural Engineers in June 1989.
What Ray Burke said as calls for his resignation as minister grew, in September 1997:
He added: "For any candidate or representative to have accepted a political donation with strings attached would have been unethical if not downright illegal.
"In the context of this contribution, there was no attempt to attach any strings or to ask for any favours."
Mr Burke said that while he "resented having to deny" allegations made against him, "I am taking the opportunity to state unequivocally that I have done nothing illegal, unethical or improper. I find myself the victim of a campaign of calumny and abuse."
He also warned: "If any further untruths are published about me, I will take all necessary steps to vindicate my good name and reputation."
What Ray Burke said as he resigned the following month as Minister for Foreign Affairs:
"I want to clearly restate that I have done nothing wrong and that I look forward to fully co-operating with any investigation. Despite my inclination to face down these ongoing personal attacks, I feel that I can no longer justify this as being helpful to the Government on a personal level."
What the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said at the time:
Regretting Mr Burke's resignation, Mr Ahersaid that all politicians had to accept criticism, but added:
"In the case of Deputy Ray Burke, I see a much more sinister development, the persistent hounding of an honourable man to resign an important position on the basis of innuendo and unproven allegations."
Condemning "a sustained campaign of incremental intensity" against Mr Burke, the Taoiseach continued:
"There comes a time when even the strongest shoulder bows, when even the stoutest heart falters, when even the best can resist no longer."