I’m trying to get audio on the full interview given by John McGuinness on Newstalk‘s Lunchtime Show this afternoon – but have a transcript of the important bits from a press release they’ve just issued. Will update the post later.

‘Minister McGuinness told Lunchtime with Eamon Keane on Newstalk 106-108fm that he didn’t think Bertie Ahern’s interview with RTE’s 6.01 News was beneficial:

“The case was presented. Maybe that’s part of the difficulty that we’re now experiencing because people are measuring what’s being said against that particular public appeal or public statement. I think they are taking that measurement, those that are interested, those that are still engaged with the Tribunal are perhaps looking at it, and measuring against that public statement. And that’s what’s causing concern and confusion for others, and sadness for more people, so there’s a whole mixture of emotions in there.�

Eamon Keane then asked Minister McGuinness if the RTE interview was a mistake:

“Given the amount of information that has emerged from the Tribunal since then, it was perhaps better if all of that had emerged, or been allowed to emerge without any intervention. It’s always a judgement call to as to whether you’ll do something at the beginning, the middle or the end of a contribution to a court case or a Tribunal, and sometimes you’re better to hold your peace and to say nothing, and maybe that might have been a better course to take in this instance. But what’s done is done and there’s nothing you can say about that.�

Minister McGuinness also outlined the damage the Tribunal evidence is having on the public as well as Fianna Fail:

“There is now doubt that it is having an effect on the party. No political party would like to see its leader pulled around like this, in these sorts of circumstances. There is no doubt about that. Publicly, I suppose people are concerned about the Tribunal and what’s happening there. And it’s up to the Taoiseach to convince them otherwise… It’s hard for me on a personal basis to see him in that difficulty or to see that evidence being given because of all the questions it brings up.�