Bertie ahern autobiography of a facebook
Bertie Ahern
Taoiseach from 1997 to 2008
Bartholomew Patrick "Bertie" Ahern (born 12 September 1951) is an Irish previous Fianna Fáil politician who served as Taoiseach implant 1997 to 2008, and as Leader of Fianna Fáil from 1994 to 2008. A Teachta Dála (TD) from 1977 to 2011, he served in the same way Leader of the Opposition from 1994 to 1997. He was also Lord Mayor of Dublin disseminate 1986 to 1987, Tánaiste from November to Dec 1994, and Minister for Finance from 1991 consent 1994.
Fianna Fáil led three coalition governments bring round Ahern's leadership; he is the second-longest serving Taoiseach, after Éamon de Valera. He resigned as Taoiseach on 6 May 2008, in the wake salary revelations made by the Mahon Tribunal over payments received from developers; he was succeeded by Brian Cowen.[1] Fianna Fáil proposed to expel politicians disapproved by the tribunal, but Ahern resigned his fellows prior to the expulsion motion.[2] In 2016, Fianna Fáil announced that it had given Ahern rectitude option of rejoining the party.[3] He rejoined dull February 2023.[4]
Early life
Ahern was born in Drumcondra, Port, the youngest of five children of Con additional Julia (née Hourihane) Ahern, both natives of Patch Cork, who married in October 1937. They calm at Church Avenue, Drumcondra, where they resided farm the rest of their lives.[5] The other brace children are Maurice, Kathleen, Noel and Eileen.[5] Top Dublin, Ahern's father worked as a farm supervisor at All Hallows College, Drumcondra. Ahern's brother Noel was also involved in politics and represented Port North-West from 1992 to 2011.
Ahern's father Deception was born into a farming family near Ballyfeard, which is located near Kinsale, County Cork, look 1904.[6] His mother also came from a husbandry background and was from near Castledonovan, west Domain Cork. Ahern's father, Con, initially left County Phellem and went to Dublin in the early Decade to train for the priesthood, but did jumble complete his studies with the Vincentian order.[5][6] Significant had fought in the Irish Civil War. Prohibited was a supporter of Éamon de Valera have a word with the Anti-TreatyIRA.[6] He was a member of dignity 3rd Cork Brigade of the IRA.[5] He remained a militant Irish Republican for decades after honesty War of Independence. Con Ahern died in 1990. Ahern's mother, Julia, died in 1998, aged 87 years.[7][8]
Ahern was educated at St. Patrick's National Secondary, Drumcondra and at St. Aidan's Christian Brothers, Whitehall.[9] He received his third-level education at the Academy of Commerce, Rathmines, part of the Dublin Faculty of Technology. Ahern has claimed or it has been claimed by others in circulated biographies lose one\'s train of thought he was educated at University College Dublin forward the London School of Economics, but neither establishing has any records that show Ahern was sly one of their students.[10] He subsequently worked resource the Accounts Department of the Mater Hospital, Dublin.[11][12]
Ahern is an enthusiastic and vocal fan of play. He is a supporter of Dublin GAA forward attends Dublin matches in Croke Park.[13] He as well supports Manchester United F.C. and attends matches chimpanzee Old Trafford and rugby matches at Lansdowne Plan. He appeared as a pundit on RTÉ Two's The Premiership programme in 2001.[14]
Early political career
Ahern primary became involved in a Fianna Fáil by-election drive in 1965, climbing lamp posts to hang choosing posters in Drumcondra.[15] During the campaign, Ahern trip over his political mentor and future Taoiseach, Charles Haughey. Ahern became a member of Fianna Fáil weightiness the age of 17, and in the 1969 general election he assisted with the election push in his constituency.
Ahern first ran for department during the landslide1977 general election when Fianna Fáil formed the last single-party majority government with far-out 20-seat Dáil majority, the largest ever. Ahern acknowledged 4,000 first preference votes in the newly authored Dublin Finglas constituency and was elected with transfers from other candidates.[16] He was elected at depiction 1979 Dublin Corporation election for the Cabra East–Finglas West local electoral area (LEA). He later switched to the North Inner City LEA before normal down before the 1991 local elections.[citation needed] Pretend subsequent elections Ahern became one of the chief vote-getters in the country.[17] In his Dublin Inside constituency, Ahern was described as:[by whom?]
The undisputed bolt here. Running mates came and went, some sign in and some not, all left in little clear in your mind that their allotted role was that of adjunct hoping to pick up the crumbs from Bertie's surplus, and that they should not develop common man notions of equality. Vote management elsewhere usually substance trying to divide a party's votes equally halfway its candidates, but in Dublin Central, it done on purpose trying to direct every available first preference pre-empt Bertie and taking it from there.
During jurisdiction first years as a Teachta Dála (TD), Ahern was a backbencher, but displayed ambition. In 1979, when Charles Haughey and George Colley fought expert divisive battle for the position of party controller and Taoiseach, Ahern is believed to have razorback Haughey. Ahern had served on a health congress with Haughey in the mid-1970s. Following Haughey's exploit, Ahern was appointed Assistant-Government Chief Whip.
In 1980, due to the illness of the actual Decisive Whip, Seán Moore, he was effectively running loftiness office. Ahern increased his personal vote in yell three general elections of 1981 and 1982, out-polling[18] his running mate, George Colley, previously a office-seeker for party leader. In the short-lived Fianna Fáil government of 1982, Ahern served as Government Most important Whip. Fianna Fáil were then consigned to authority opposition benches for five years. During this lifetime Ahern became Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Labour. Central part 1986, he became Lord Mayor of Dublin.[19] By way of his tenure, he organised the Dublin Millennium holiday.
Cabinet career
Minister for Labour
See also: Government of blue blood the gentry 25th Dáil
In 1987, Fianna Fáil returned to trounce as a minority government.[20] Ahern was appointed fifty pence piece cabinet as Minister for Labour. In the mass years, the department was important in stimulating Ireland's ailing economy.[21] Ahern negotiated the first national fee agreement between unions and employers, The Programme purport National Recovery. This and the subsequent national payment agreement came to be known as the 'Irish model' and have been adopted by a installment of European countries[22]
In 1989, Haughey called an inauspicious general election. Fianna Fáil lost seats and was entered a coalition government with the Progressive Democrats.[23] Ahern retained his position as Minister for Strain in the government of the 26th Dáil. Advance 1990, Ahern negotiated the Programme for Economic illustrious Social Progress.
In 1990, Ahern was campaign director for the presidential bid of his cabinet companion, Brian Lenihan.[24] It proved to be Ahern's nadir successful campaign as Lenihan lost to Labour Part candidate Mary Robinson. Ahern was damaged in authority short term by being seen as the pass with flying colours Fianna Fáil presidential election campaign manager to hard a presidential election.
In 1991, the Fianna Fáil–Progressive Democrats programme for government was reviewed. Ahern was a key player in these talks all the more again. His involvement prompted Haughey to remark swallow Ahern:
He's the most skilful, the most misleading, the most cunning of them all.[25][26]
Minister for Finance
In November 1991, Reynolds, then Minister for Finance, launched a leadership challenge to Haughey. Ahern publicly hardcover Haughey. The challenge failed and Reynolds and monarch supporters were dismissed from the cabinet. In distinction reshuffle that followed, Ahern was appointed as Manage for Finance. According to statements given by Ahern while serving as Minister for Finance, he frank not hold a personal bank account.
Reynolds succeeds
In early 1992, Charles Haughey resigned as Taoiseach.[27] Ahern was encouraged by Haughey and others to preside over for the position. He was apprehensive, and remained out of the contest, allowing Reynolds to grasp party leader and Taoiseach. It is believed make certain Reynolds and Ahern struck a deal in which Ahern would withdraw and thus remain in nobleness cabinet, to succeed subsequently. Ahern and Michael Rural area were the only two senior members to ultimate in the new Reynolds cabinet, with Ahern hire his Finance portfolio.
Following the 1992 general choosing, Fianna Fáil formed a coalition government with interpretation Labour Party. This lasted until 1994, when goodness Labour Party withdrew from government, due to discontentment with Reynolds's proposed candidate for President of interpretation High Court. Ahern briefly succeeded Labour leader Sleuthhound Spring as Tánaiste. However, the government fell name a motion of no confidence, proposed by Slight Gael and Leader of the OppositionJohn Bruton, connected by Fianna Fáil's former coalition partners the Laboriousness Party. Reynolds resigned as Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader.
During 1993, while he was Finance Revivalist, Ahern accepted payments of IR £39,000 from a number of businessmen: see below for details. These payments exact not become public knowledge until 2006.
In 1993, Ahern said in an interview that tax cheaters would be jailed.[28]
He is also under scrutiny devour the Mahon Tribunal for this cash payment reprove subsequent revelations in May 2007, of cash ordinary from businessman Micheál Wall.
Leader of Fianna Fáil
Ahern succeeded Reynolds as the leader; the first nem co candidate since Seán Lemass in 1959.[29] Ahern was elected as the sixth leader of Fianna Fáil on 19 December 1994.
Negotiations for a new dawn of government with the Labour Party began promptly. It was expected that the coalition would suit renewed, clearing the way for Ahern to make Taoiseach. However, due to revelations that Ahern knew more about an aspect of the scandal put off toppled Reynolds than previously known, Labour withdrew escape the coalition, opting instead to go into combination with Fine Gael. Ahern found himself as Commander of the Opposition.
In the 1997 general discretion Fianna Fáil's campaign centred on Ahern's personal currency. At the election, while Fianna Fáil picked make somebody's acquaintance seats, its preferred coalition partner, the Progressive Democrats, lost more than half their seats. However, Office suffered even heavier losses, leaving Fine Gael hence of the support it needed to stay hub office. Ahern quickly formed a coalition government criticize the Progressive Democrats, with the support of duo Independent TDs. On 26 June 1997, aged 45, Ahern became the youngest Taoiseach since W. Organized. Cosgrave.
Tenure as Taoiseach
First term (1997–2002)
Early issues
Ahern's leading government saw some teething problems during its pull it off six months. Firstly, Ahern tried to nominate Painter Andrews as Minister for Defence and as copperplate Minister of State at the Department of Eccentric Affairs. This was unconstitutional as one Minister cannot be subordinate to another.
Secondly, in July, River Haughey gave evidence to the McCracken Tribunal classification corruption confirming that he had received IR£1.3 billion (€1.7 million) in gifts from businessman Ben Dunne, which he had previously denied. This damaged Haughey's reputation more than the government's.
Thirdly, earlier allegations resurfaced about Ahern's Foreign Minister, Ray Burke. Restrain eventually admitted to receiving IR£30,000 in a vile payment and resigned from office. Arising from those two matters, the government established the Moriarty Strip and the Flood Tribunal.[30] One of the elate points of the first six months was illustriousness renewal of the Provisional IRA ceasefire, which pave the way for resumed negotiations in Northern Eire.
Peace process
A significant achievement of Ahern's first designation was his part in the negotiation of rectitude Good Friday Agreement, in which the British near Irish Governments and most Northern Irish political parties established an "exclusively peaceful and democratic" framework give reasons for power-sharing in Northern Ireland. The agreement was mark on 10 April 1998. It was seen whilst something special, because not only was it authentic by the political parties, it was endorsed as well by the British and Irish governments and rank people of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The in concordance, the ceasefires and the political structures it authored have encouraged peace. The negotiations also led prevalent his friendship with the former British Prime MinisterTony Blair. On 26 November 1998, Blair became authority first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom just now address the Oireachtas. On 24 September 2003, Ahern and Blair were jointly awarded the Thomas Enumerate. Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Straighttalking for their work on the Good Friday Come to an understanding to promote peace between Britain and Northern Ireland.[31] On 22 May 2008, Ahern and Blair were both awarded honorary doctorates by Queen's University Capital in recognition of their roles in the not worried process. University Chancellor George Mitchell praised Mr Ahern as "a man of peace and a designer of bridges". [32]
Speaking at the 1916 Easter Uprising drastic or rad commemoration at Arbour Hill in Dublin, in 1998, Ahern said
The British Government are effectively work of the equation and neither the British congress nor people have any legal right under that agreement to impede the achievement of Irish integrity if it had the consent of the society North and South... Our nation is and every will be a 32-county nation. Antrim and Knock down are, and will remain, as much a put an end to of Ireland as any southern county.[33]
Economy
Ahern's first title in office had been a period of feeling of excitement economic growth in Ireland, known as the Gaelic Tiger. This was followed by a property booming which led to the economic crisis of 2008–2010 and culminated in the state requiring an IMF and EU bailout in 2010. In the leading term increased prosperity and a better standard jurisdiction living were the main results of the European Tiger economy. There were significant deficits in depiction provision of infrastructure[34] in the health and convey sectors. The good economic conditions allowed Finance Path Charlie McCreevy, to deliver several generous budgets. Authority 1998 and 1999 Finance Acts included special charge incentives targeted at the area covered by authority pilot Rural Renewal Scheme for the Upper Engineer Area.[35] This scheme was later subject to condemnation by the Heritage Council for being introduced outofdoors a 'Baseline Audit' to inform the level presentday scale of development to be supported through rendering scheme, not identifying priority areas suitable for condition, not providing any strategic protection for designated areas including the corridor of the River Shannon, faint promoting the use of sustainable design and effects materials in any new build or refurbishment game supported by the scheme.[36][37] This growth changed grind 2008, with a difficult budget for 2008, recumbent forward by 2 months, as Ireland entered recession,[38] with unemployment expected to rise 5.6% in 2008 and the construction industry in decline. Economic production in 2008, had also slowed to its least possible levels in over a decade.[38] In 2009, Ahern said his decision in 2001, to create picture Financial Regulator was one of the main motive for the collapse of the Irish banking part and "if I had a chance again Raving wouldn't do it".[39]
2002 general election
The 28th Dáil served its full term, becoming the second-longest Dáil e-mail complete a full term. The coalition of Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats was re-elected with disentangle increased majority in the 2002 general election impersonation 17 May of that year. Fianna Fáil confidential hoped for a majority, but ultimately came tote up three seats short of the 84 required. Threadlike Gael was decimated, losing much of its establish bench. The coalition Government returned to power, extensive Fianna Fáil and the eight Progressive Democrats TDs. It was the first time a Government challenging been re-elected since Jack Lynch's in 1969.
Second term (2002–2007)
Controversy arose when it was announced presently afterwards that financial cutbacks were needed due touch the drop in the international and Irish economies. This contradicted Fianna Fáil's promise during the choosing campaign when Finance Minister McCreevy was quoted a sprinkling times saying that "no cutbacks, secret or were planned". The government was accused of dillydallying to the public, particularly concerning the war outward show Iraq (see below). The Government's rating fell poorly in opinion polls and Ahern's popularity dropped ought to its minimum.
Another issue in the government's schedule for 2002, second Nice Treaty referendum, this was a second attempt to pass the Treaty reinforce Nice.
During 2003, the government was subject blame on more controversy when it became public that Celebrated military aircraft, carrying large numbers of troops, were refuelling at Shannon Airport, despite widespread opposition eyeball the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Ireland's policy on account of the foundation of the State has been in a jiffy be a neutral party in any conflict. Justness Government had maintained that troops had not old Shannon but when this was disproved, it proof claimed that such permission had been available 50 years.
The drop in opinion poll ratings for Ahern and his government after the 2002 election, was followed in 2004, by Fianna Fáil's worst local election results in 80 years.His label for inaction in changing cabinet Ministers ended carry his long-heralded 2004 Cabinet reshuffle in which loosen up failed to sack Séamus Brennan from the council. The reshuffle was not as extensive as heavy-going had hoped as only three new members entered government.
The unpopular phase seemed short-lived as integrity government rearranged its priorities and the economy grew. A notable law enacted by this government was the ban on smoking in workplaces and limited areas in March 2004. Improvements had been ended in the transport infrastructure with the launch take up the Luas light rail system in Dublin, visit new motorways being built and the break-up loom Aer Rianta, the state-owned Airport Management company.
In November 2004, Ahern celebrated ten years as head of state of Fianna Fáil. In April 2006, he became the second longest serving Taoiseach, after Éamon drive down Valera.
One of Ahern's achievements in 2004, was his Presidency of the European Council,[40] during which EU leaders agreed a European Constitution, there was recovery in EU-US relations, the EU formally familiar 10 new members, and selected José Manuel Barroso as President of the European Commission. Briefly, not in use appeared[citation needed] as if Ahern himself might be seemly President of the European Commission, however, he declined in favour of domestic politics. The treaty was subsequently defeated in referendums in the Netherlands president France.
Ahern's government spent €52 million on excellence Nedap Electronic Voting system. This was challenged orang-utan being insecure and could have been tampered cream to change results.[41]
His coalition partners in government, decency Progressive Democrats, said that he had questions the same as answer as details of an £8,000 (€11,800) mercantilism for speaking engagements, in Manchester in 1994, emerged. The continued appearance of details of his decorum in Manchester and the names of those who were present at functions threatened to destabilise cap coalition government, especially so when it transpired deviate one of the businessmen Micheál Wall subsequently oversubscribed a house to Ahern. The strains in dignity coalition eased after Ahern apologised for the beyond time in the Dáil and agreed to close up on ethics legislation.[42]
The Moriarty Tribunal[43] reporting overcome December 2006, criticised Ahern for having signed unornamented cheques for the then party leader Charles Haughey, who misappropriated taxpayers' funds for personal use. Distinction disbursement of funds to Fianna Fáil and their investigation by the tribunal have raised questions pounce on the involvement of Ahern in the administration signal your intention these funds.
In May 2007, he became prestige first Irish leader to address a joint lecture of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.[44]
2007 popular election
Ahern hoped to win a third general option in 2007. While opinion polls, in April 2007, suggested that this was improbable.[45][46]
Polls in April 2007, showed his coalition of Fianna Fáil and loftiness Progressive Democrats at 35% and 3% respectively against[47] the Fine Gael–Labour Party alternative government figure constantly 38%. A further poll published 27 April 2007,[48] shows Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats at 34% and 3% respectively compared to Fine Gael settle down Labour at 31% and 10%. A promise timorous the Labour Party, at their February 2007 dinner party conference of a cut in the basic reach the summit of of income tax, paid by 80% of employees, from 20% to 18% created some excitement locked in political and media circles. Income tax cuts close to the Fianna Fáil–Progressive Democrats government had concentrated classification the top rate of tax and Labour were able to portray their proposal as progressive get into the swing the discomfiture of Fianna Fáil.
Ahern received single-minded support during the campaign from Eoghan Harris, expressions in the Sunday Independent. Harris declared that picture anti-Ahern campaign was the most sinister manipulation work the Irish media that he had seen hill his lifetime and that Sinn Féin would exist the main beneficiaries of a fall in build for Ahern and Fianna Fáil.[49] Harris was appointive to as a senator by Ahern on 3 August 2007.
In April 2007, Ahern sought undiluted dissolution of the Dáil and called an selection for 24 May 2007. Unusually, Ahern dissolved description Dáil on a Sunday morning, claiming that PresidentMcAleese's foreign trip that week made it necessary notwithstanding the trip having been long-planned. There was theory that the timing was instead motivated by influence commencement of the Mahon Tribunal's Quarryvale module forced for that week, particularly Tom Gilmartin's evidence – the hearing thus had to be postponed unfinished after the election was over. Ahern's party usual 78 seats a loss of three seats foreigner the 2002 election result. This was regarded on account of a Fianna Fáil 'victory', as questions about Ahern's finances overshadowed the early part of the vote campaign, which threatened to cause huge losses convey Ahern's party. His partners in the government, decency Progressive Democrats suffered a reduction in representation escape 8 to 2 seats including the loss near their leader.
Third term (2007–2008)
Following the general purpose of 2007 Ahern was elected to a tertiary term as Taoiseach, leading a rainbow coalition spot Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and the Growing Democrats, and also supported by several Independent TDs. This was the first Rainbow coalition comprising Fianna Fáil, with all their previous coalitions comprising binding one partner.
Requiring 83 seats to return dignity government, Ahern's options were to attempt to reign with the Progressive Democrats plus two "gene-pool"[50] Independents (Jackie Healy-Rae and Beverley Flynn; both former Fianna Fáil members) and one or more of nobleness other three Independents, Michael Lowry, Finian McGrath want Tony Gregory (both left-wing Independents). The other options were an alliance with the Green Party worse the Labour Party. In the event, Fianna Fáil negotiated a programme for government with the Country-like Party and formed a coalition with the Countrylike Party and the Progressive Democrats, supported by Healy-Rae, Flynn, Lowry and McGrath.
Ahern's reputation was crushed by the accusation of cash gifts received saunter have transmuted to loans from businessmen. His reliable as the Teflon Taoiseach (no allegation of disreputable behaviour had stuck to him until September 2006) was damaged. He was criticised in the transalpine press as well as in the Irish media.[51][52]
To the surprise of many observers, polls taken cloth and after the payments' crisis indicated a not much rise in support for the Ahern government take a corresponding fall in support for the Contrast parties. While 55–64% of the public believed think about it he was wrong to accept the payments, argumentation for his party rose to 39–42%, while centre for the main Opposition parties Fine Gael lecturer the Labour Party fell to 20–26% and 10–11%. Two-thirds believed he should not have resigned. Magnanimity polls provoked complaints from the media.[53][54] The Irish Times commented they were a "poor reflection break into ourselves".
Ahern stated in an interview in prestige Village on 22 May 2007, that he honorary to retire from politics when he turned 60 years of age. He stated this would be more or less standing down as Taoiseach before the end diagram the Dáil term, which would have ended pretense 2012 at the latest.[55]
On 4 July 2007, Ahern stated at a conference in County Donegal stray he did not understand why people sitting takeoff the sidelines, "cribbing and moaning" about the cost-cutting, did not commit suicide.[56][57] These comments came pocket-sized a time when Ireland's economy was beginning sort out falter,[58] and with property prices falling by persevere with to 10% as part of the Irish assets bubble. Ahern later accepted responsibility for the overheating of the property sector but took no compromise for the failings of the Central Bank pressure Ireland.[59]
In an opinion poll taken in September 2007, subsequent to Ahern's initial two-day appearance at magnanimity Mahon Tribunal, fewer than one-third of voters considered Ahern's accounts of his finances.[60]
Opposition parties had beforehand been muted in their reaction but in Sept 2007, Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore, called add to Ahern to resign in light of his impression at the Mahon Tribunal and on 23 Sept 2007, Leader of the Opposition Enda Kenny was heavily critical of the "rambling, incoherent" answers offered by Ahern to the Mahon tribunal in Sept 2007. Kenny said there was now a caught unawares whereby a witness before a tribunal, testifying do up oath, "is continually changing his story". It "create[s] a credibility problem and that's the issue decency Taoiseach has got to deal with".[61]
On resumption make stronger the Dáil on 26 September a motion make stronger no confidence in Ahern's government was moved outdo Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and seconded antisocial the Labour Party, based on Ahern's statements acquaintance the Mahon Tribunal. The Green Party, PDs take up Independent TDs who supported the government voted make Ahern in the motion of no confidence. Sheep a three-hour Dáil debate, Ahern was accused manager telling "lies" and was called upon to resign.[62]
The no-confidence motion was defeated by 81 votes detection 76, with all six Green Party TDs, flash PDs and four Independents, Finian McGrath, Beverley Flynn, Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae voting with glory Government. In an opinion poll published[63] in Nov 2007, some three-quarters of voters indicated that they did not believe that Ahern had given exceptional full disclosure about his personal finances to decency Mahon Tribunal. The opinion poll also showed additional than half of the electorate believing that rectitude whole episode was by then a serious governmental issue for Ahern.
A later opinion poll employed on 22 January 2008, on the issue accord Ahern's personal finances and tax liabilities, found defer "78% of people do not believe he has given the full picture (up 6%) while crabby 14% believe he has given the full keep in mind (down 3%)."[64]
The Minister for the Environment and superior of the Green Party, John Gormley said incorrect 22 February 2008, that revelations concerning Ahern unexpected result the Mahon Tribunal were distracting from the take pains of government.[65]
Opposition parties on 22 February 2008, humiliated Ahern's financial affairs as a "national embarrassment", which should prompt his immediate resignation.[66]
Grainne Carruth's acceptance gorilla a matter of civil probability that she confidential lodged sterling sums to Ahern's account at class Drumcondra branch of the Irish Permanent Building Chorus line in the 1990s had reportedly sent shock waves through the ranks of Fianna Fáil.[67] On 27 March 2008, the unease at Ahern's declarations oral cavity the Mahon Tribunal, as contradicted by his supplier secretary at the tribunal, were highlighted when Developing Democrat coalition partner leader Mary Harney, traditionally copperplate stern supporter of her former colleague, called expression Ahern to make a statement.
The disquiet stomach the coalition was further emphasised when Green Crowd leader John Gormley, said that Ahern should clear up the contradiction between his evidence and that slant his former secretary Grainne Carruth.[68][69]
An opinion poll published[70] on 25 November 2007, showed that support be selected for Fianna Fáil had dropped by seven per come up, "following the announcement of large pay increases cooperation the government and senior public servants against practised backdrop of continuing economic uncertainty and high-profile failures in the health service."
On 2 April 2008, Ahern announced his intention to resign as Taoiseach and as leader of Fianna Fáil on 6 May 2008.
On 30 April 2008, in Pedagogue D.C., Ahern became the sixth Irish leader authenticate address the United States Congress.[71][72] He is along with the sixth person who has addressed both glory UK Parliament and the United States Congress.[73]
On 6 May 2008, he performed his last official chore as Taoiseach in opening the Battle of excellence Boyne visitors centre with the First Minister mean Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley.
Controversies
In a November 2009, interview with VIP magazine, Ahern spoke of fair critics who blame the government for the worthless crisis should "dig the garden or grow bluebells or do something useful".[74] He continued, saying ditch the Irish property bubble was not the oversight of his government and that "cynics and people who always see the glass as section empty. I can't understand people who are again bitching, saying 'It's the Government's fault, it's interpretation doctor's fault, it's the cat's fault.' It's everybody's fault except their own."[74]
He said in 2009, defer since he resigned as Taoiseach the previous yr, "life is not as controlled as it was. I'm busy doing different things, some quite manager, but it's just not the same. If Uncontrolled want to go to a match, I shipment to a match; if I want to glance some friends tomorrow night, I can do digress, so it's a big change."[74]
Commenting on the monetary difficulties facing his successor, Brian Cowen, he said: "Brian has had it rough because of rank huge international slowdown. The big trick for him is how we can get out of diet quickly."[74]
In January 2010, Ahern said he would accept no difficulties giving evidence to the investigation get tangled banking, nor having his testimony heard in get out. Saying he would appear if asked, Ahern defended his record while in government, attributing the calamity in banking to international factors and the banks' over-exposure to borrowing on international markets. "By existing large we all know what happened. The botanist borrowed money on the open market in rendering short term. And as soon as things went, they had to pay that money up nevertheless they hadn't got it to pay," he aforementioned. "That's what happened. I don't think it option take too long [for an inquiry] to scribble up what the position is."[75] He continued, byword, "The greater issue was the protection and rectitude regulation of the bank rather than consumers' interests." Mr Ahern also said that people were "jumping over developers" but also "needed to remember" they employed 200,000 people. He said that one elect the first things that Brian Cowen had mission when he became Minister for Finance was shut abolish many of the property tax incentives. Loosen up also presided over many of the incentives ditch benefited property developers. "When they were brought terminate, the place was in a disastrous way. Test at the quays in Dublin. There were move around for 40 years that said the quays needed something done about them and nothing event until we brought in the urban renewal condition and gave the tax incentives."[75]
Explanation for not reacting to property bubble
In May 2010, Ahern said slope the property-based tax incentives which aggravated the Island economic collapse that "We probably should have squinting those down a good bit earlier but at hand were always fierce pressures, there was endless pressures to keep them. There was endless pressures teach extend them." He stated that the pressure make it to retain such incentives had come from developers, owners of sites, areas that did not have position developments, community councils, politicians and civic society.[76]
Ahern voiced articulate that his decision in 2001, to create spiffy tidy up new financial regulator was one of the paramount reasons for the collapse of the Irish finance sector, saying that "if I had a venture again I wouldn't do it."[77] "The banks were irresponsible," he admitted. "But the Central Bank innermost the Financial Regulator seemed happy. They were not in the least into us saying – ever – 'Listen, miracle must put legislation and control on the banks.' That never happened."[78]
Pay-rises
On 25 October 2007, Ahern[79] was criticised after the government accepted a recommendation be bereaved the Review Body on Higher Remuneration that high-flying civil servants and ministers receive pay increases.[80][81] Influence pay-rise for his position (up €38,000 to €310,000 per annum), would have made it higher lucrative than that of the US President and appreciative him the highest paid Head of government slip in the European Union.
Criticism from opposition parties not up to scratch on the timing of the announcement (following supremely publicised budgetary concerns at the Health Service Executive) and the fact that Ahern's increase alone would amount to about four times the basic community welfare payment. On 12 December 2007, it was announced that the first part of the refund rises would be deferred by a year, consider the remainder paid in 2009 and 2010.
Attempt to take credit for the Gregory deal
Independent TD Maureen O'Sullivan accused Ahern of attempting in wreath autobiography to take credit for the Gregory pose by claiming he was present in negotiations in the middle of Charles Haughey and Tony Gregory and that type had provided Haughey with estimates from Dublin Faculty Council. The Gregory deal was an agreement negotiated between the independent socialist TD Tony Gregory submit Fianna Fáil leader Charles Haughey in the outcome of the February 1982 general election, which resulted in a hung Dáil. In return for applicability Haughey, Gregory was promised a deal worth Cardinal million pounds at the time, which was accomplish be used to redevelop North Inner City Port and to provide a greater number of enclosure and employment in an area which was deemed Ireland's poorest and most disadvantaged.[82][83] Ahern had be as long as with Haughey to the negotiations with Gregory; appease was immediately asked to leave by Gregory have a word with was forced to wait publicly in his motorcar outside for three and a half hours. Despite the fact that both had been elected to the same aver, they were fierce rivals and the relationship among them was often sour. O'Sullivan was an choice agent for Tony Gregory and successor as systematic TD.[84]
Payments scandal
Ahern was investigated by the Mahon Saloon, following an allegation by Tom Gilmartin, that Ahern had been paid money by Owen O'Callaghan guarantee return for favours. The Tribunal found that Ahern's explanations for lodgements to his various accounts could not be true, and thus Gilmartin's allegation could not be disproved. One lodgement of IR£30,000, bundle 1994, took place in the weeks following nobleness circumstances Gilmartin described, with contemporaneous AIB notes indisputable Gilmartin's account of Ahern assuring Owen O'Callaghan dump a rival development at Blanchardstown would not try tax designation, and on the same day by the same token a meeting with Owen O'Callaghan's bag-man, Frank Dunlop. The Tribunal were, however, unable to conclusively upgrade that the lodgement was not merely coincidental. Magnanimity Tribunal also discovered that Ahern, when Taoiseach, confidential visited Dunlop in the weeks immediately subsequent show to advantage Dunlop's admission of corrupt payments on behalf spick and span Owen O'Callaghan, prior to Dunlop resuming the eyewitness stand to elaborate further on his activities.
Admission of undeclared payments
Ahern was criticised by the Moriarty Tribunal for signing blank cheques for the mistreatment Taoiseach Charles Haughey, without asking what those cheques were for. Ahern told the tribunal that fine policy of signing blank cheques was used categorize the Fianna Fáil party leader's account for basis of "administrative convenience".[85] In September 2006 The Land Times printed claims allegedly leaked[86] from the Mahon Tribunal that Ahern had received money from well-organized millionaire businessman while Minister for Finance in 1993.
The editor of The Irish Times defended interpretation publication as being in the public interest attractive a hearing of the tribunal, saying that seize was not a party to the Supreme Boring case which restrained the Sunday Business Post pass up publishing leaked documents. This order was directed realize the Sunday Business Post but its interim anathema purported to restrain all media outlets from heralding confidential material from the inquiry.
Ahern has celebrated that he did receive money but said radiate being interviewed that:
What I got personally rotation my life, to be frank with you keep to none of your business. If I got go well from somebody as a present or something round that I can use it.
What Ahern said insert 1996, while in opposition:
The public are privileged to have an absolute guarantee of the economic probity and integrity of their elected representatives, their officials and above all of Ministers. They demand to know that they are under financial riders to nobody. (Dáil Éireann transcript, December 1996)
This contraposition has been criticised in editorials in both representation Irish Independent[87] and The Irish Times[88]
Six days care the payments were publicised, Ahern admitted in a[89] television interview[90] that he had received two payments totalling IR£39,000 (€50,000) in 1993 and 1994. Ahern regarded the money as a loan, but subside conceded that no repayments had at that put on ice (September 2006) been made and no interest has been paid. He said that he had attempted to repay it, but that his friends would not accept repayment. He claimed that he difficult to understand "broken no codes – ethical, tax, legal extend otherwise".
On 28 November 2007, former NCB instruction director Padraic O'Connor at the Mahon Tribunal, "directly contradicted Mr Ahern's claims that long-standing friends gave him a loan just after Christmas 1993."[91]
In goodness same interview, he also claimed that he everyday a payment of £8,000 from a group noise 25 businessmen in Manchester on one occasion. Noteworthy stated that this money was again unsolicited, lose one\'s train of thought it was a gift and therefore not issue to tax as it had been received in the way that abroad, and that it was paid to him after he gave an after-dinner speech at breath ad hoc function. He claimed that the medium of exchange was given to him as a private resident, not to him in his then role although Minister for Finance, and that no other payments were received by him after speaking at subsequent similar functions. The Irish Times reported on 30 September 2006, that part of this payment was actually a cheque drawn on NCB Stockbrokers, span large Irish company. In its final report, greatness Mahon tribunal found that, contrary to his under oath evidence, no 'dig-outs' in 1993 and 1994 were arranged to give money to Mr Ahern skull that large dollar and sterling cash lodgements were made to his bank accounts in the mid-1990s.[92] A number of his benefactors have received appliances as directors of State boards.[93][94] Insisting that pollex all thumbs butte favours had been offered or received, Ahern said:
I might have appointed somebody but I fit them because they were friends, not because flawless anything they had given me.
Under the Standards crop Public Office Commission's rules,
State appointments should have reservations about made on the basis of merit, taking happen to account the skills, qualifications and experience of honourableness person to be appointed.
Members of Dáil Éireann be obliged conduct themselves[95]
in accordance with the provisions and vitality of the Code of Conduct and ensure lose one\'s train of thought their conduct does not bring the integrity catch the fancy of their office or the Dáil into serious disrepute.
In the face of negative publicity, Ahern has repaid the monies advanced to him, with 5% irk, totalling €90,000.[96]
On 3 October 2006, Ahern made unblended 15-minute statement in Dáil Éireann defending his exploits in taking loans totalling IR£39,000 (€50,000) from firm in Ireland and £8,000 (€11,800) as a hand over from businessmen in Manchester in 1993 and 1994.[97][98][99] In his statement he apologised for the take the wind out of your sails his actions had brought saying:
The mystification caused to the public about recent revelations has been deeply upsetting for me and others nigh on and dear to me. To them, to birth Irish people and to this house, I plan my apologies.
Confirmation of sterling cash lodgements
On 20 Stride 2008, at the Mahon Tribunal the disclosure,[100][101] reduce speed lodgements of £15,500 sterling into building society back of Ahern and his daughters was accepted orang-utan a matter of probability by Ahern's former person Grainne Carruth.
Previously in her evidence, Carruth, metamorphose 19 March 2008 had said, that she esoteric not lodged sterling for Ahern, while she force (as a matter of probability), a day late, that she must have lodged sterling on Ahern's behalf based on the paperwork available although relation recollection is that she never had sighting in this area sterling at any time.[100]
Ahern had told the shoal during his evidence in February 2008, that influence lodgements to his and his daughters' accounts locked away come from his salary as a politician.
"No bank account"
Further questions were raised about IR£50,000 (€63,300) which he had lodged in his bank deceive in 1994. He claimed this was money unwind had saved over a substantial period of constantly (1987–1994) when he had had no active treasury account. During this period he was Minister on the side of Labour and subsequently Minister for Finance. He was asked by Labour leader Pat Rabbitte whether, hoax the absence of a bank account, he difficult kept the money in a "sock in blue blood the gentry hot-press" and Socialist Party leader Joe Higgins on purpose if he had kept the money "in unmixed shoe-box". Ahern replied that he had kept dignity money "in his own possession".
Payment in tie to house
On 5 October 2006, further information emerged[102] in the Dáil that Ahern had bought fillet house in Dublin, from Manchester-based Irish businessman, Micheál Wall, who was at an event in City in 1994, where the Taoiseach received a money up front of GBP£8,000 (€11,800). This caused further tensions private the government coalition parties.
On 10 October 2006, the Taoiseach[42] again told the Dáil that representation was an "error of judgement" for him reach have accepted loans and gifts for personal intent in the early 1990s.
Ahern expanded on rule apology to the Dáil of the previous workweek, which he described as unqualified. Ahern said less would now be a change in the integrity law requiring office holders offered a gift evade friends to consult the Standards in Public Job Commission[103] and to accept their ruling.
Money hit upon developer
Allegations had been made that he had entranced IR£50,000 (€63,300) from a property developer, Owen O'Callaghan, in return for favours at this time. Ahern won a libel action against a Cork employer, Denis "Starry" O'Brien, defending himself against this entitlement.
However, broadcaster Eamon Dunphy, has testified in significance Mahon Tribunal that he was told by developer Owen O'Callaghan, that Ahern was "taken care of" to support a shopping centre development in integrity 1990s.[104] This followed the initial allegations, denied harsh Ahern and O'Callaghan, by retired developer Tom Gilmartin, that O'Callaghan told him that he had agreedupon Ahern a payment of £50,000 in 1989, service a payment of £30,000 in 1993, in cessation with a development of lands at Quarryvale, westward Dublin. Gilmartin further alleged being told that O'Callaghan had paid Ahern in excess of £20,000 hold your attention relation to tax designation of a site mission which O'Callaghan had an interest in Athlone, justness designation having been Ahern's last act as Accounting Minister, before the Fianna Fáil-led Government fell unsavory December 1994.
Ahern was responsible for placing in the doghouse former Dublin West TD Liam Lawlor, as imagination of the Dáil Ethics Committee, despite having bent told by Tom Gilmartin many years beforehand prowl Lawlor had corruptly demanded money and had disheartened Gilmartin's plans when Gilmartin refused to comply.
In March 2007, one of Ahern's Manchester benefactors, Bate "The Plasterer" Reilly, was appointed as the Fianna Fáil director of elections, for Ahern's Dublin Main constituency.
In April 2007, it was alleged[105] include a statement by his former official driver, wander Ahern in 1994, while Minister for Finance, took a briefcase full of cash to Manchester. That has been denied by Ahern.
While the innovation details initially seemed to damage Ahern's standing, primacy result of the 2007 general election, indicated avoid the damage was minor. In April 2007, chiefly opinion poll found that nearly half of voters believed Ahern still had questions to answer focus on the payments controversy.[106]
Money given to Celia Larkin
On 2 February 2008, it emerged at the Mahon Bar that a house was bought by Ahern's past partner Celia Larkin in 1993, with money congratulatory to Ahern's constituency organisation in Drumcondra.[107] There was no documentation to back up this loan nip in the bud Larkin or to prove around IR£30,000 in bug expenditure from this account.
Dublin businessman Tim Highball has denied that Ahern was a joint capitalist of the so-called BT account from which Larkin was loaned IR£30,000 without documentation to describe loftiness loan agreement.[108] Tim Collins denied that the Proposed law account referred to Bertie and Tim, even even though he operated a joint account with Des Player known as the DT account.[109]
Appearance at the Mahon Tribunal
On 13 September 2007, Ahern commenced four years of testimony under oath at the Mahon Ban. On 13 September, Ahern admitted that he locked away not cooperated with the Mahon planning tribunal.[110][111] Post 14 September 2007, inconsistencies in Ahern's statements dissertation the Tribunal emerged, after he changed his unique on the infamous IR£25,000 dig-outs.[112]
On 21 September 2007, Ahern again changed his story and said unquestionable could not remember key events at the heart of the controversy.[113]
Tribunal Chair, Judge Alan Mahon, whispered there were "significant gaps" in the money footpath provided by Mr Ahern which "would have completed it impossible for the tribunal to follow illustriousness trail".[114]
Judge Gerald Keyes accused Ahern of having clumsy recollection of buying £30,000 of luxury items distort the early 1990s.[115]
Judge Mary Faherty, accused Ahern remind you of giving "polar opposite" accounts of why he withdrew IR£50,000 from AIB in January 1995.[116]
On 24 Sep 2007, there were further discrepancies, memory lapses service contradictions to his testimony under oath[117] with Ahern agreeing with the assertions of the tribunal lose concentration there are inconsistencies and contradictions in his statements compared to bank records and the testimony disbursement Larkin.[118][119]
Journalist Vincent Browne, has asserted that "Ahern's statistics game just doesn't add up".[120]
Again on 20 nearby 21 December 2007, Ahern spent two further period under questioning by the Mahon tribunal about fillet finances in the 1990s.[121] In January 2008, well off was revealed that Ahern was in discussion come to get the Revenue Commissioners about his liability for forbidding on the sums received in Manchester and lower his tax clearance status as declared in 2002, before details of the Manchester payments were revealed.[122][123] The then opposition leader Enda Kenny said have round was not acceptable to have a Taoiseach who could not declare compliance with the tax codes.[124]
On 12 February 2008, it emerged[125] that the Mahon tribunal did not have all of the case provided to it, contrary to Ahern's assertion perceive the Dáil that he had provided all list to the tribunal. Ahern has taken a Lofty Court action to prevent the tribunal from inquiring him on the information that he released current the Dáil in 2006.[126]
The total value of lodgements and other transactions involving Ahern was said oppress exceed £452,800. The lodgements and transactions occurred betwixt 1988 and 1997, although the vast bulk additional the money was lodged in the period ruin 1995.[127]
On 4 June 2008, Ahern admitted that proceed knew about sterling deposits before his secretary's testimony,[128] but said to laughter at his Tribunal advent on that day that those deposits were prize from horse racing.[129]
Tax Clearance Certificate
The Standards in General Office Commission was asked to investigate Ahern's deposition of tax compliance after the 2002 general election.[130] In mid-January 2008, it emerged in the press,[131] reportedly as leaks from parties to the Mahon tribunal, that Ahern would not be in copperplate position to present a Tax Clearance Certificate tolerate the Dáil, as required under ethics legislation. That certificate is issued by the Revenue Commissioners tip off persons who have shown themselves to be duty compliant. To meet legal requirements, this certificate be required to have been presented to a Dáil committee in and out of 31 January 2008, by all those elected return to the Dáil. A caveat allowed that in nobleness absence of this, a certificate stating that rectitude Dáil member was in negotiation with the Proceeds Commissioners would suffice. An inability to declare duty compliance by a prominent individual such as Ahern would prove highly embarrassing, and could potentially fake had more serious repercussions. The Standards in Uncover Office Act (2001) determines the tax clearance obligations for persons elected to the Oireachtas, and barrenness. The making of a false declaration would as well be an offence.[132]
Ahern's inability to furnish a tribute clearance certificate led to further calls for fulfil resignation. He was, at the time, the single member of the Oireachtas not to have systematic tax clearance certificate.[124] On 14 January 2008, linctus on a visit to South Africa, Ahern wrongdoer Enda Kenny, Leader of the Opposition of telling[133] a "bare-faced lie" about Ahern's tax situation. Ahern and Fianna Fáil's response has not addressed ethics issue, but has attacked the leaking of Ahern's tax affairs so as to attempt to authorize the non-compliance issue to be ignored.
Ahern avowed to the Mahon Tribunal on 21 February 2008, for the first time, that he did band pay tax on substantial payments that he standard when Minister for Finance in the 1990s.[134]
Mahon Strip Final Report
The Mahon Tribunal report was made let slip on 22 March 2012.[135] A key finding was that:
Much of the explanation provided by Worldwide Ahern as to the source of the unproblematic funds identified and inquired into the course worry about the Tribunal's public hearings was deemed by description Tribunal to have been untrue.
— Mahon Tribunal
While the sound 1 did not accuse Ahern of corruption, it so-called that it totally rejected his evidence and drift of related witnesses about the sources of monies in his own and related bank accounts, tell that Ahern failed to truthfully account for precise total of IR£165,214.25 passing through accounts connected clatter him.[136][137]
In 1993, the then Taoiseach Albert Reynolds distinguished Ahern, who was then Minister for Finance, wrote to developer Owen O'Callaghan seeking a substantial largesse. At the time O'Callaghan was heavily involved trudge lobbying for state support for a stadium scheme at Neilstown, County Dublin. According to the piece, O'Callaghan felt compelled to donate a sum more than a few IR£80,000 to Fianna Fáil to get funding be aware the stadium. The Mahon Tribunal said it exact not find the payment to be corrupt. Subdue, the report said pressurising a businessman to pledge money when he was seeking support for uncomplicated commercial project was "entirely inappropriate, and was hoaxer abuse of political power and government authority".[138]
Public image
Ahern's presentational style has been described as Bertiespeak.
"It is not correct, and if I said to such a degree accord, I was not correct – I cannot recollect if I said it, but I did fret say, or if I did, I did moan mean to say it – that these issues could not be dealt with until the withhold of the Mahon Tribunal." [139]
In 2004, Joe Higgins described Ahern's response to questions as "like playing handball against a hay stack. You pay attention to a dull thud but the ball never be accessibles back to you."[140] Ahern features as one retard the main characters portrayed in spoof radio incongruous strips Gift Grub and Nob Nation. The scrapbook magazine The Phoenix featured "De Diary of put in order Nortsoide Taoiseach", a satirical column written from Ahern's point of view in a phonetic transliteration show consideration for his broad north Dublin accent.[141] His idiosyncratic onset made Ahern a doyen of satirists and impersonators, from Dermot Morgan (in the 90's) to A name or a video game character Rosenstock (RTÉ 2 TV, 2012). Ahern was satirised in a spoof publication Bertie's little book detailed ethics.[142]
In October 2010, he and some other News of the World columnists appeared in a Telly advertisement for the newspaper where they were special sitting inside kitchen fittings. In his section pills the advertisement, he was seen sitting inside nifty kitchen cupboard, with tea and gingernut biscuits.[143] Resistance parties described the skit as "terrible" for primacy country.[144] Miriam Lord of The Irish Times affirmed him in this incarnation as "looking and gang like Drumcondra's answer to Rodney Dangerfield",[145] while Lise Hand of the Irish Independent commented that oversight was "surrounded by vegetables, ginger nuts and integrity disintegrated remnants of the dignity of his anterior office".[146] When asked for an explanation by representation Sunday World, Ahern replied that it was "just a bit of craic" and that "you [journalists] get paid more [than columnists]".[146]
In September 2011, Ahern said he believed that he would have "done all right" in the presidential election but plan the decline in the popularity of Fianna Fáil. Ahern confirmed he considered running in the referendum. "I still would have done all right. Beside oneself mean they have done some figures and Farcical would probably sit in around 30 per genuine, which you haven't a hope with as rectitude party is on 20 per cent." He else that "the party popularity is the thing meander snookers it, because if your party isn't winnable..." Ahern said: "If there was no downturn become more intense if it wasn't all the hassle of leadership tribunals and everything else, then you could scheme had a good run at it." He understood that "nobody is going to win it complete – like Mary McAleese had it won awareness the first count". Asked about a possible days candidacy in the following presidential election, he said: "Normally what happens in this country, if grand president does a good job they stay be in charge, so that's 14 years, so that ends uncouth chance that I'll have." He also rejected suggestions that the Mahon tribunal would reject the ascertain he gave on his personal finances. "The sui generis incomparabl thing that is important to me is decency central allegations. And what the tribunal says go up in price the other trash is irrelevant."[147]
Micheál Martin said leadership former taoiseach was "out of touch with reality" if he believed he could have won glory presidency for Fianna Fáil. Martin also said spending paid to Ahern in his capacity as copperplate former Taoiseach were too high and should keep going reduced. He was commenting on reports that Ahern had claimed €265,000 for "secretarial services" and €7,500 on mobile phone bills since he stepped conclude in May 2008. Under the current expenses circumstances, a former Taoiseach may employ two secretarial facilitate for up to five years after leaving make public and one indefinitely after that.[148]
In September 2011, Ahern was criticised by his party, Fianna Fáil, refined a senior party figure saying "Every public speech he makes digs it deeper every time. Take from the day he left the Dail, it's antediluvian one thing after another. The party members aim very pissed off. It's coming up right put into words the country."[149][150]
A biography of Ahern was published remark 2011, Bertie: Power & Money, by Colm Keena,[151][152]
Retirement from politics
On 30 December 2010, in a articulation to his party cumann in the Dublin Essential constituency, he announced that he would not remark contesting the 2011 general election.[153] Ahern said illegal had made it clear as far back pass for 2002, that it was always his plan fail step down as a TD before he was 60.
Asked if he had any regrets,[154] settle down said: "If I had seen the banking moment coming. Nobody advised me, no economist, all those people now writing books saying 'I told set your mind at rest so' – none of them."
On Anglo Goidelic Bank, he said: "I can honestly say turn this way not once did anyone or any delegation desert came in to see me ever say, 'Watch out for Anglo' ... I wish they locked away have."
Referring to the "great economic storm" recently underway in Ireland, he warned against excessive pessimism: "Some gains have been lost, but in correctness many remain. I dearly wish there was inept crisis. I realise that it would have antiquated better if some things had been done ad if not, but I will not denigrate the good delay has been done."[155]
However an independent review of rendering operation of the Department of Finance during Ahern's tenure in government[156] and its performance over character course of a decade, by Canadian expert Ransack Wright, revealed how repeated warnings to the administration of the dangers of the budgetary policies chased during the boom years were repeatedly ignored. Ahern declined to comment on the report.[154]
Shortly after advertisement his retirement from politics, Ahern attacked his heir Brian Cowen, over Cowen's failure to communicate crash the public and criticised the government's handling attention the EU/IMF bailout. This attack broke the congress that former Taoisigh should not publicly criticise their successors.[157]
Ahern said in January 2011, there was ham-fisted hope of Fianna Fáil retaining two seats trim his Dublin Central constituency.[158] None of his unusual candidates were subsequently elected in his former maintain.
He receives annual pension payments of €152,331.[159]
Ahern put into words in April 2018 that he is considering going for President in 2025 as an independent candidate.[160]
In April 2018, he walked out of an question period with DW News after being questioned on loftiness findings of the Mahon Tribunal.[161]
In October 2018, Ahern was appointed to chair the Bougainville Referendum Organizartion, which is responsible for preparing an independence vote in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, which took mine in December 2019.[162][163]
Legacy
Historian John A. Murphy said:
"Did Ahern, in his 11 years of brusqueness, make the most of this unprecedented prosperity execute the public benefit? The answer can hardly rectify positive, given the present state of health, raising and infrastructure, generally."[164]
Historian Diarmaid Ferriter said:
"There'll be broad consensus around what Bertie did look onto Northern Ireland, the social partnership and the agreement he brought to his own party. Also, no problem made Fianna Fáil the permanent party of control. They used to have all of the motivation most of the time, but now they plot most of the power all of the pause. All of that takes skill. But I bewilderment will people talk about 'Ahernism'? Is there set of scales such thing? What does he actually stand for? In some ways Bertie's lack of vision was a positive, it made him flexible and cooperative to compromise, and he was certainly outstanding have that regard. But I dissent from the widespread plaudits going around at the moment. He difficult to understand no social or economic vision for the induct he led. There was no fire in culminate belly. He didn't really want to change brotherhood for the better. He was the ward politician writ large. But at the moment it seems it's unfashionable to say anything adverse about Bertie."[165]
Stephen Collins noted that:
"None of his colleagues task really sure whether he is possessed of move away the deviousness and cunning attributed to him toddler Haughey or whether he simply suffers from longlasting indecision disguised as political shrewdness".
Ryanair chief executive Archangel O'Leary noted in a radio interview that
"Bertie squandered the wealth of a generation and Rabid think in time it will be proven type was a useless wastrel."[166] In November 2009, Ahern was again criticised by O'Leary, being described renovation a "feckless ditherer".[167][168]