The Mire has learned that a major row has erupted between Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Justice Minister Dermot Ahern over legislation to criminalise the act of directing a criminal gang. The Taoiseach fears that the legislation could be used to remove him from office.
“Mr Cowen is worried that the legislation introduced by Mr Ahern could effectively make it illegal to be leader of Fianna Fail or the Government,” an aide to Mr Cowen said. “He is wary of Mr Ahern’s motivation in bringing forward the legislation. This could be a very Irish coup.”
It is understood that the leaders of the Green, Labour, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein parties and their advisers are also monitoring developments. There have been unconfirmed reports that some party leaders are preparing to take flight before the Gardai come calling.
Under the legislation an actual crime does not have to be committed to invoke the commission of the offence. It allows for the criminalisation of controlling a criminal gang of three or more people. As such it is of no real concern to the Progressive Democrats.
