The Labour leader, Ruairí Quinn, has accused the Taoiseach of behaving flippantly regarding a trip to France by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance. Mr. Ahern rejected suggestions that Mary Harney and Charlie McCreevy had been compromised by their acceptance of businessman Ulick McEvaddy's hospitality.
Mr. Ahern said that they understood the clear rules in place in relation to what politicians must declare under the Ethics in Public Office Act. He also said that he did not think the Ministers should exempt themselves from any Cabinet decision on Mr. McEvaddy's proposal for a private terminal at Dublin airport. He said that Mr. McEvaddy's case would be judged solely on its business merits. Mr. Quinn said that there had been a prima facie conflict of interest.
