Is Ahern about to resign?

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Last Updated: 02/04/2008 10:09

Ahern set to name departure date

ireland.com reporters

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is this morning expected to name a date for his departure from office amid mounting pressure over his personal finances.

A Government spokeswoman said Mr Ahern would hold a press conference on the steps of Government Buildings in Dublin at 10.15am.

At the press conference he will deliver a statement that is expected to name a date on which Mr Ahern will step down as Taoiseach, making way for Brian Cowen, who is favourite to take over.

Mr Ahern was set to come under pressure in Dáil this afternoon as the Opposition parties seek an explanation for evidence given to the Mahon tribunal by his former secretary.

The Opposition will press Mr Ahern on the sterling payments lodged to his Irish Permanent building society account by Gráinne Carruth. Fine Gael and the Labour Party earlier called on Mr Ahern make a statement about his financial affairs.

The tribunal is investigating claims that Mr Ahern received money from property developer Owen O'Callaghan. The claim by Tom Gilmartin has been repeatedly denied by Mr O'Callaghan and by Mr Ahern himself. However the tribunal invetigations have thrown up questions on lodgements to Mr Ahern's personal accounts in the early 1990s