The war of words between Brian Lenihan’s family and Jean Claude Trichet continues today, with claims and counterclaims on the issue of whether or not Mr. Trichet told Brian Lenihan to save the banks at all costs.
Trichet sternly denies that he ever made a phone call to Brian Lenihan to order him to save the banks, but Mr. Lenihan’s family does insist that such phone call did take place.
According to the former Governor of the ECB, first thing he ever heard about the massive bailout of Irish banks was through the media.
Trichet this week denied that he ever phoned Mr Lenihan to order him to “save your banks at all costs”.
The ongoing banking inquiry will go through Mr. Lenihan’s phone records to determine who’s telling the truth.
In the meantime, Mr. Lenihan’s family are asking the banking committee for a chance to reply to any evidence which may smear Mr. Lenihan’s legacy.