Menu
02/04/2008
Bye Bye Bertie
The Irish Taoiseach has announced he will resign amidst an array of controversy over his financial affairs.
Bertie Ahern called a short notice press conference in Dublin on Wednesday morning starting a frenzy of speculation he would announce his resignation.
The Irish premier had just won a significant High Court battle to stop the Mahon Tribunal, which had dogged his recent political career, from exacting certain information from Mr Ahern and compelling the hearing to submit a range of financial documents to his legal team.
Mr Ahern, 56, has said he will leave office by May 6. He has been Ireland's leader for 11 years, but recent pressure about his financial inconsistencies have made his tenure impossible.
Investigators say they have uncovered more than $150,000 in undocumented cash deposits in his bank accounts.
Rumours recently abounded that a vote of no confidence could be demanded in the Dáil. After several senior members of Mr Ahern's party failed to say they believed his version of events, as given in the Mahon Tribunal, speculation that a vote of no confidence could oust the leader took hold, making the present Taoiseach's position untenable.
TD Brian Cowen, is said to be favourite to take over as Taoiseach.
(DW/JM)
Bertie Ahern called a short notice press conference in Dublin on Wednesday morning starting a frenzy of speculation he would announce his resignation.
The Irish premier had just won a significant High Court battle to stop the Mahon Tribunal, which had dogged his recent political career, from exacting certain information from Mr Ahern and compelling the hearing to submit a range of financial documents to his legal team.
Mr Ahern, 56, has said he will leave office by May 6. He has been Ireland's leader for 11 years, but recent pressure about his financial inconsistencies have made his tenure impossible.
Investigators say they have uncovered more than $150,000 in undocumented cash deposits in his bank accounts.
Rumours recently abounded that a vote of no confidence could be demanded in the Dáil. After several senior members of Mr Ahern's party failed to say they believed his version of events, as given in the Mahon Tribunal, speculation that a vote of no confidence could oust the leader took hold, making the present Taoiseach's position untenable.
TD Brian Cowen, is said to be favourite to take over as Taoiseach.
(DW/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 February 2008
Taoiseach Dissenters ‘Not Fit To Tie His Shoelaces’
The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs has slammed the recent outpouring of criticism of the Taoiseach claiming some of those speaking out are “not fit to tie his shoelaces.” Dermot Ahern rallied in defence of his party leader in the wake of continued castigation and calls for Bertie Ahern's resignation by opposition parties over the Mahon Inquiry.
Taoiseach Dissenters ‘Not Fit To Tie His Shoelaces’
The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs has slammed the recent outpouring of criticism of the Taoiseach claiming some of those speaking out are “not fit to tie his shoelaces.” Dermot Ahern rallied in defence of his party leader in the wake of continued castigation and calls for Bertie Ahern's resignation by opposition parties over the Mahon Inquiry.
29 May 2008
Ahern Back At Mahon For Three Day Hearing
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to appear again before the Mahon Tribunal next week to answer questions about lodgements to his accounts. The inquiry has set aside three days in total to hear from the former Taoiseach, including Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday and Friday for Mr Ahern's appearance.
Ahern Back At Mahon For Three Day Hearing
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to appear again before the Mahon Tribunal next week to answer questions about lodgements to his accounts. The inquiry has set aside three days in total to hear from the former Taoiseach, including Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday and Friday for Mr Ahern's appearance.
22 February 2008
Taoiseach censured over comments in trial
The second day of the Mahon Tribunal has seen fierce criticism fired the way of Bertie Ahern who is being questioned over his personal finances, and his defending counsel.
Taoiseach censured over comments in trial
The second day of the Mahon Tribunal has seen fierce criticism fired the way of Bertie Ahern who is being questioned over his personal finances, and his defending counsel.
25 September 2008
Ahern Steps Into Executive's Policing Row
While he has "cautioned against Sinn Fein and the DUP escalating the current impasse over NI Executive meetings", the Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (pictured with former UK PM, Tony Blair) has weighed into the row over devolution of policing and justice powers at Stormont.
Ahern Steps Into Executive's Policing Row
While he has "cautioned against Sinn Fein and the DUP escalating the current impasse over NI Executive meetings", the Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (pictured with former UK PM, Tony Blair) has weighed into the row over devolution of policing and justice powers at Stormont.
04 June 2008
Ahern Could Walk Out Of Tribunal
Sources have revealed Bertie Ahern may walk out of the Mahon tribunal if the intense questioning about his personal finances continues. The former Taoiseach is facing intense pressure at the tribunal as new revelation come to light.
Ahern Could Walk Out Of Tribunal
Sources have revealed Bertie Ahern may walk out of the Mahon tribunal if the intense questioning about his personal finances continues. The former Taoiseach is facing intense pressure at the tribunal as new revelation come to light.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
