FORMER TAOISEACH Albert Reynolds said in a radio interview yesterday he was disappointed that money intended for Fianna Fáil did not get to the party but it was now a matter for the party to deal with.
Interviewed on Lunchtime with Eamon Keaneon Newstalk, he was asked about the evidence given at the Mahon tribunal about the different bank accounts that were opened in Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's Dublin Central constituency.
"I wasn't aware of any of that. Treasurers in the party look after certain things in relation to the finances for the party itself. When I went in I heard a lot of talk about this, that and the other. I told Fianna Fáil straight away that the leader's account would have to be brought under the auditor general and that would be included.
"It was never included in my time. I gave the responsibility to the Fianna Fáil accountant and the Fianna Fáil treasurer Pat Farrell. I moved everything over to them. I brought in the responsibility under audit. I hoped that would have sorted out any problem that would have arisen in the whole party itself."
Asked what his reaction was to the fact that money that was apparently meant for Fianna Fáil went elsewhere, Mr Reynolds said: "I would hope the party themselves would take it up. My time is over. I thought what I started would have taken its course throughout the party and would have made sure no more strange things happen."
