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25/09/2008
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.
Mr Ahern has claimed that said the existence of the IRA army council was "not a precondition to the transfer of policing and justice powers to Stormont".
He said the DUP was "well aware" of the British and Irish governments' commitment to the deadline for such a transfer and insisted, "it should have been long done by this stage".
He was commenting on BBC NI's Hearts and Minds programme on the current situation that has led to the Executive not meeting for three months, after the issue caused a political impasse between the DUP and Sinn Féin.
Mr Ahern said he understood unionists needed to feel "certainty" in order to establish trust with republicans and felt the IRA perhaps needed to spell out its intentions more clearly.
But he said he did not believe the organisation would ever say it would never exist in any role.
He repeated his desire for the IRA to evolve into a "commemorative" organisation but said the devolution of policing and justice was "never predicated" on the disbandment of the IRA army council.
"All of this was known when the agreement was made. It's not only now or in the last year that we discovered there's a thing called the army council," he said.
Speaking about his continued appearances before the Mahon Tribunal, he also rejected any suggestion of misconduct in his financial dealings and said he hoped some day to be able to clear his name.
Last week, Bertie Ahern was faced with the latest round of questioning at the Tribunal which heard questions over his dealings with a businessman - who is a Fianna Fail TD's son.
Mr Ahern was questioned on whether he had met the man, who was working for a US Investment banker firm in California and was seeking to become involved in the financing of a new sports stadium in Ireland.
The Tribunal is also investigating allegations that while in his earlier capacity as Finance Minister, Bertie accepted a payment from a developer, regarding a bid for tax exemption designation.
During the recording of the programme, the ex-premier also stepped into the Treaty row and said he believed the Irish government would have to re-run the contentious EC Treaty referendum.
The former Taoiseach said that he as disappointed at the Republic's rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.
He said he felt it had only happened because the document was "too complicated" for people to understand.
The BBC NI TV programe goes on air tonight, at 7.30pm.
See: Ahern Faces Tough Day In Tribunal
(BMcC)
Mr Ahern has claimed that said the existence of the IRA army council was "not a precondition to the transfer of policing and justice powers to Stormont".
He said the DUP was "well aware" of the British and Irish governments' commitment to the deadline for such a transfer and insisted, "it should have been long done by this stage".
He was commenting on BBC NI's Hearts and Minds programme on the current situation that has led to the Executive not meeting for three months, after the issue caused a political impasse between the DUP and Sinn Féin.
Mr Ahern said he understood unionists needed to feel "certainty" in order to establish trust with republicans and felt the IRA perhaps needed to spell out its intentions more clearly.
But he said he did not believe the organisation would ever say it would never exist in any role.
He repeated his desire for the IRA to evolve into a "commemorative" organisation but said the devolution of policing and justice was "never predicated" on the disbandment of the IRA army council.
"All of this was known when the agreement was made. It's not only now or in the last year that we discovered there's a thing called the army council," he said.
Speaking about his continued appearances before the Mahon Tribunal, he also rejected any suggestion of misconduct in his financial dealings and said he hoped some day to be able to clear his name.
Last week, Bertie Ahern was faced with the latest round of questioning at the Tribunal which heard questions over his dealings with a businessman - who is a Fianna Fail TD's son.
Mr Ahern was questioned on whether he had met the man, who was working for a US Investment banker firm in California and was seeking to become involved in the financing of a new sports stadium in Ireland.
The Tribunal is also investigating allegations that while in his earlier capacity as Finance Minister, Bertie accepted a payment from a developer, regarding a bid for tax exemption designation.
During the recording of the programme, the ex-premier also stepped into the Treaty row and said he believed the Irish government would have to re-run the contentious EC Treaty referendum.
The former Taoiseach said that he as disappointed at the Republic's rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.
He said he felt it had only happened because the document was "too complicated" for people to understand.
The BBC NI TV programe goes on air tonight, at 7.30pm.
See: Ahern Faces Tough Day In Tribunal
(BMcC)
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09 April 2008
Reynolds Gives Cowen His Blessing
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, has given his full support to Brian Cowen, who is set to become new leader of Fianna Fail today. Albert Reynolds took Brian Cowen from the backbenches in 1992, giving him the role of Minister for Energy. Mr Reynolds said he wasn’t surprised that the out going Tánaiste has reached the top job.
Reynolds Gives Cowen His Blessing
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, has given his full support to Brian Cowen, who is set to become new leader of Fianna Fail today. Albert Reynolds took Brian Cowen from the backbenches in 1992, giving him the role of Minister for Energy. Mr Reynolds said he wasn’t surprised that the out going Tánaiste has reached the top job.
02 April 2008
Ahern Wins High Court Hinder Of Tribunal
Bertie Ahern has won two significant victories over the Mahon Tribunal, hindering its powers. The Taoiseach's lawyers hammered out two major concessions at the High Court in Dublin on Tuesday, which could have a significant impact on the hearing.
Ahern Wins High Court Hinder Of Tribunal
Bertie Ahern has won two significant victories over the Mahon Tribunal, hindering its powers. The Taoiseach's lawyers hammered out two major concessions at the High Court in Dublin on Tuesday, which could have a significant impact on the hearing.
16 September 2008
Ahern Faces Tough Day In Tribunal
The former Taoiseach has faced a tough day of questioning in the Mahon Tribunal, which even saw a member of the public in the gallery removed by Gardaí. Bertie Ahern latest round of questioning at the Tribunal heard questions on dealings with Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawler's son, Nial, as well as an alleged £30,000 cash payment into his bank account.
Ahern Faces Tough Day In Tribunal
The former Taoiseach has faced a tough day of questioning in the Mahon Tribunal, which even saw a member of the public in the gallery removed by Gardaí. Bertie Ahern latest round of questioning at the Tribunal heard questions on dealings with Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawler's son, Nial, as well as an alleged £30,000 cash payment into his bank account.
04 November 2008
Swathes Of Irish Deported From American Soil
Despite recent pressures from the Irish Government on America's politicians, increasing numbers of Irish citizens are being sent home from the United States. A total of 27 Irish people were reportedly deported this year alone from New York, with less than half of this figure deported the previous year.
Swathes Of Irish Deported From American Soil
Despite recent pressures from the Irish Government on America's politicians, increasing numbers of Irish citizens are being sent home from the United States. A total of 27 Irish people were reportedly deported this year alone from New York, with less than half of this figure deported the previous year.
01 May 2008
Ahern Asks Congress To Give Irish Immigrants Permanent Status
In a momentous speech in Washington, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday asked the joint meeting of the US congress to "find a solution" to the many Irish immigrants living illegally in America. He implored both houses of American power to "address the implications and to regulate the status" for Irish immigrants.
Ahern Asks Congress To Give Irish Immigrants Permanent Status
In a momentous speech in Washington, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday asked the joint meeting of the US congress to "find a solution" to the many Irish immigrants living illegally in America. He implored both houses of American power to "address the implications and to regulate the status" for Irish immigrants.
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Ireland WeatherToday:After a mainly dry and bright morning cloud will increase as the wind strengthens from early afternoon with showers spreading east later. The strong afternoon wind will reach gale to severe gale force along the coasts. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Showers die back to western parts from the evening, leaving much of the night dry with clear spells. Showers spread east again towards morning. Gales ease somewhat, a windy night. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
