Funferal

Taoiseach in hole. Keeps digging.

OK, this is just weird:

Asked if he believed journalists were bribing gardaí to get information, Mr Ahern said his personal opinion is that journalists make up stories, so they had no need to bribe anyone.

That’s An Taoiseach, the Irish prime minister, for those who are wondering. His nickname is ‘the Teflon Taoiseach’ because of his ability to survive what should be devastating political gaffes. Looks like he’s testing the limits of that ability.
The story arises from comments from the minister for Justice. He has proposed legislation that would impose severe penalties on Gardaí who reveal information to journalists. This has been criticised by the opposition for preventing ‘whistle blowing’ actions and also – unsurprisingly – by Gardaí and journalists who claim there is no need for the law. In response (apart from toning the proposals down slightly) the Minister has claimed to have proof, which he refuses to reveal, that journalists are bribing Gardaí. It’s going to be dirty.