THE chairman of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, Mr Phil Hogan, has unreservedly apologised to the Fianna Fail chief whip, Mr Dermot Ahern, for a remark that gave rise to rumours that Mr Ben Dunne had paid for the Ahern family holiday.
It is understood the Taoiseach intervened in the controversy after Mr Ahern spoke to him about the comments, made during the Dail debate on a motion to appoint Mr Alan Dukes as the new Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications.
According to the record of the House, Mr Hogan asked, "When did you go to Majorca?" as Mr Ahern was speaking on the motion. Mr Ahern did not hear the comment but was later contacted by a journalist who informed him of what had been said.
He was subsequently told by others that there was a rumour circulating that he had gone on a family holiday in 1995 for which Mr Dunne had paid. On returning to his home in Dundalk, Mr Ahern said he spent several hours sifting through records until he recovered the stub of his cheque to the travel agent and his bank statement.
After hearing further reports that a newspaper had heard the rumours, he decided to go to the Taoiseach about the matter. Mr Bruton assured him that he would speak to Mr Hogan, and the parliamentary party chairman yesterday issued an apology in the Dail.
"I wish to totally withdraw any adverse imputation inferred by the said remarks," Mr Hogan said. "These remarks were unfounded and I unreservedly apologise to Deputy Ahern and his family for the hurt and anxiety caused. I believe it is only fair that I do so."
Mr Ahern said he had been gravely insulted" by the remarks but thanked Mr Hogan for the apology.