Waterford Fianna Fáil TD Ollie Wilkinson yesterday criticised Irish Times Editor Geraldine Kennedy, claiming she was seeking to damage the Taoiseach by publishing the story about him receiving payments in 1993 and 1994.
Mr Wilkinson said on Waterford Local Radio that he believed Ms Kennedy was trying to destroy a decent man and "to destroy what has been a superb government for this country".
Contacted by The Irish Times, Mr Wilkinson said no public interest had been served by publishing the fact that Mr Ahern had received monies. He had already given details to the tribunal. He would give "whatever else has to be given" in the Daíl.