Mr Mitchell has denied all wrongdoing and has expressed regret for ever having known Epstein. Queens University Belfast has removed a bust of Mr Mitchell, who was chancellor of the institution from 1999 to 2009, from its grounds. In an interview with Newstalk Breakfast on Thursday, Mr Ahern said he had examined the matter closely as he knew Mr Mitchell “very well” for decades. In the same interview, Mr Ahern said that Lord Mandelson’s contacts with Epstein are a “big problem” for the Prime Minister. Following further releases, a criminal investigation has been launched into allegations Lord Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Epstein.

Source: The Herald February 05, 2026 14:10 UTC