The Irish Times
Sat, Jan 20, 2007
Scotland Yard's investigation into 'cash for honours' allegations against the British
government has again reached into the heart of Downing Street with the arrest of a
senior aide to prime minister Tony Blair on suspicion of perverting the course of
justice.
Officials at 10 Downing Street wre surprised by the early morning arrest of political
adviser Ruth Turner, who was questioned for several hours at a london police station
before being released without charge on police bail.
Ms Turner - Mr Blair's 'gatekeeper," who became the fourth person and first salaried
official to be arrested in the inquiry - released a statement through Number 10 last
night rejecting 'any allegations of wrongdoing of ny nature whatsoever.'
(later..)
However, Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeill, who triggered the police inquiry
into alleged offenses under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925, suggested
the arrest underlined 'the seriousness of the situation facing Downing Street' and that
'water is now lapping around Tony Blair's neck.'
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/frontpage/2007/0120/1169247528638.html