Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I disagree with Deputy Gilmore's suggestion that the Taoiseach, in giving his evidence, has compromised his position to lead this country. The issues under consideration by the tribunal relate to a two-year period after his separation from his wife and the settling of his family affairs. As Deputy Gilmore suggested, he did not have a bank account at that time. There was the question of the €22,500, the €16,500 and the €8,000, and he has given explanations about those, which have been corroborated by people who have gone into the tribunal to confirm the nature of those amounts. If the question is that this was obtained, as Mr. Tom Gilmartin suggested, from Mr. Owen O'Callaghan, the Taoiseach is adamant that he did not receive one cent, penny or euro from Mr. O'Callaghan.

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