McDowell and Harney now have questions to answer
Statement by Green Party Chairman, John Gormley TD:
“In light of this morning’s disclosures by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that the former Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney, had prior knowledge that the Taoiseach had serious questions to answer in relation to payments to him, it is important now that Minister Harney clarifies at the earliest opportunity what she knew and when she knew it.
“For a number of weeks it has been rumoured that Mary Harney had some inkling of what was coming down the tracks, but the statement from the Taoiseach this morning would seem to indicate that there is at least some truth in what has been whispered around the corridors of Leinster House.
“It is simply not good enough for the Progressive Democrats to hide on this issue or to state, as Fiona O’Malley has, that they are no longer the watchdogs of this Government.
“If they truly believe in accountability then both Mary Harney and Minister McDowell must make statements immediately on this matter. It is also important that the Leader of the PDs Michael McDowell states what involvement he had with the preparation of the Taoiseach’s statement regarding the Manchesterpayments.
“Already the credibility of the Progressive Democrats has been severely damaged by this controversy and if they are found to be wilfully negligent then the electoral consequences for the party could be serious.”