Ahern Facing Probe As Paisley Defiant On 'Jnr' Controversy

While NI Executive First Minister, Ian Paisley remains aloof from the repercussions of his son's resignation as a Junior Minister and seems set to 'weather the gathering storm', his opposite number in the Irish Republic is again facing questions over his personal financial management.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to face further questions about his personal finances at the Mahon Tribunal on Thursday.

This, his third appearance at the tribunal in Dublin Castle, will be a two-day hearing as Mr Ahern gives evidence regarding the highly publicised case.

Mr Ahern faced tough questions amidst heated exchanges in the hearing before Christmas, where the Fianna Fail party leader accused the tribunal of trying to stitch him up, after his legal team suggested that he may not be telling the truth about large sums of money he received in the 1990s.

Mr Ahern is also currently taking a legal challenge against the inquiry due to it’s questions regarding statements he made in the Dail parliament, which he claims are protected by constitutional privilege.

Opposition parties have suggested that Mr Ahern’s separate legal challenge has purposefully delayed the work of Mahon by six months.

Mr Ahern said: "I’ve been dealing with the tribunal now for a decade.

"It’s my duty to do that as best I can, and I just hope that there are fair procedures, at least some of the time, if not most of the time. I will continue to do that."

The questioning is expected to focus on a 'mystery' €5,000 cheque lodged to two of Mr Ahern's accounts in the Irish Permanent in January of 1994.

(DW)(BMcC)