FORMER TAOISEACH BERTIE AHERN HAS REJOINED FIANNA FÁIL AFTER LEAVING THE PARTY IN 2012
BY LIAM KELLY O’ROURKE
Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County, Niall Collins has welcomed former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s return to the party.
Ahern resigned from his position in 2012 following the findings of the Mahon Tribunal.
The investigation, which lasted in excess of 15 years, stated that Bertie Ahern had failed to “truthfully account” for sources of money he lodged to his bank account while serving as Minister for Finance in the 1990s.
However, yesterday evening a Fianna Fáil spokesperson confirmed a membership application from Mr Ahern had been accepted – a move welcomed by local TD Niall Collins.
“I welcome the fact he’s rejoined. It was a personal decision for him. He has been involved in Fianna Fáil events in recent years and it was only a matter of time before he rejoined.”
The announcement has also been relatively well received by party councillors in the Limerick area.
Martin Ryan, Fianna Fáil councillor for the Cappamore-Kilmallock region, said, “I welcome Bertie Ahern’s return. It’s a positive move, he’s been a great statesman. We should all move on in life.”
Meanwhile, Limerick City East Councillor Catherine Slattery put it plainly: “Bertie is welcome back”.
Mr Ahern’s readmission to the party aligns with a significant milestone in Irish politics, as later this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement – an achievement the former Taoiseach played a prominent role in.
