Noel O’Flynn calls for Statement from Bertie

It seems the horses are getting jumpy in the Fianna Fail stable. On Morning Ireland, Noel O’Flynn suggested that it might be an opportune moment for Bertie to consider making a statement on the events of last week.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today, Mr O’Flynn said: “In order to clarify a number of issues it might be a good idead at this point in time for the Taoiseach to make a statement in relation to the events of last week.”

“There are political implications for allegations that have been made and it may be in the public interest for him to make a statement.
“I want to make it clear that I fully support the Taoiseach and indeed am awaiting the outcome of due process and the outcome of the Mahon tribunal.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs said he totally disagreed with Mr O’Flynn and that the vast majority of the parliamentary party was behind the Taoiseach. “I think people like Noel O’Flynn should settle down”, he added.

While its clear the leadership candidates are keeping their powder dry in regard to going after Bertie, this is the second back-bencher in a week that saw fit to question the government/Bertie’s approach to handling issues. With each backbencher power slowly ebbs from the Taoiseach in an almost inevitable fashion, especially as Mahon begins to turnover a great deal of information that flagrantly contradicts the narratives Bertie Ahern has given to account for the monies he had been given in the 1993-1995 period.