What the Taoiseach said about Burke: In October 1997, when Mr Ray Burke resigned from the Cabinet and the Dáil, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, bemoaned "the persistent hounding of an honourable man" from office.
Condemning "a sustained campaign of incremental intensity" against the former minister, the Taoiseach said: "There comes a time when even the strongest shoulder bows, when even the stoutest heart falters, when even the best can resist no longer."
Speaking in the Dáil, on October 8th, a day after the resignation, Mr Ahern continued to blame the media and Opposition for the ending of Mr Burke's political career.
"I believe he resigned both as the strongest protest that he could make at the shameful treatment to which he has been subjected by certain parties in this House and by certain sections of the media who cynically regard politics as a blood sport.
"I reject completely Deputy \ Bruton's accusation that my knowledge of certain matters in any way makes me responsible for the events which led to the resignation of Deputy Ray Burke. I appointed Deputy Burke after careful consideration in the firm belief that he had done nothing wrong, and that he had earned the Foreign Affairs portfolio.
"Accepting an unsolicited gift of £30,000, of which less than half was retained for his personal campaign, was certainly imprudent. But a few weeks ago in this House, almost no one considered it a hanging offence."
Mr Ahern added: "As leader of the opposition, I never liked to demand anyone's resignation before the facts were established and before people were given a fair chance to defend themselves. I tried to bring some humanity and decency into political relations across the floor of the House.
"That more dignified approach was appreciated by the Irish people. I am sorry that some of the Opposition benches are occupied by people less scrupulous in the pursuit of their ambition, and who do not mind whose careers they bury along the way."
