Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have close contacts with them.

Deputy Gilmore asked me a fair question. I have tried as best I could, for the years requested by the tribunals and to prove my innocence in respect of all these other issues, to link all my payments and would have done that for the vast majority. The very few I was unable to link were because I was not able to get bank records. In so far as I have been able to piece together all my records, I do not believe I received unsolicited money. Like everyone else, I received political donations over the period but not many because, throughout my career, I have allowed my constituency office to run fundraising activities. Most of the money I ever got would have been for those periods.

Lest it be misconstrued, Deputy Shortall asked a question when we were dealing with another question and I wish to answer it. It was on a point of law that my legal team, on the in camera rule, has taken issue with the tribunal. I follow the advice of my lawyers. I have heard comment in the House——

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