Bertie Ahern TD
10th Taoiseach
In office 26 June 1997 – 7 May 2008
President	Mary Robinson Mary McAleese
Taoiseach	Charles Haughey Albert Reynolds
Tánaiste
In office 19 November 1994 – 15 December 1994
Preceded by	Dick Spring
Succeeded by	Dick Spring
Minister for Finance
In office 14 November 1991 – 15 December 1994
Preceded by	Charles Haughey
Succeeded by	Ruairi Quinn
Minister for Labour
In office 10 March 1987 – 14 November 1991
Taoiseach	Charles Haughey
Preceded by	Gemma Hussey
Succeeded by	Michael O'Kennedy
Member of Parliament for Dublin Central Dublin Finglas (1977 – 1981)
Incumbent
Assumed office  16 June 1977
Born	September 12, 1951(1951-09-12) Dublin, Ireland
Political party	Fianna Fáil
Spouse	Miriam Kelly (separated)
Religion	Roman Catholic

Bartholomew Patrick "Bertie" Ahern (Irish: Parthalán Pádraig Ó hEachthairn, born 12 September 1951) is an Irish politician who served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 26 June 1997 to 7 May 2008. A Teachta Dála (Irish for Dáil Deputy, pronounced chock-ta dawla) is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower chamber of the Irish Oireachtas or National Parliament. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 443 × 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1394 × 1888 pixel, file size: 225 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Berlin, 25 May 2007. ... The Taoiseach (IPA: , phonetic: TEE-shock — plural: Taoisigh ( or ), also referred to as An Taoiseach [1], is the head of government or prime minister of the Republic of Ireland . ... is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... For the poet, see Mary Robinson (poet). ... Mary Patricia McAleese (Irish: [1]; born 27 June 1951) is the eighth, and current President of Ireland. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Albert Reynolds (born November 3, 1932), was the eighth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. ... The Tánaiste (IPA: ; plural Tánaistí ), or, more formally, An Tánaiste[1], is the deputy prime minister of the Republic of Ireland. ... is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ... is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ... Richard Spring (born August 29, 1950 in Tralee County Kerry), is a businessman and former senior Irish politician. ... Richard Spring (born August 29, 1950 in Tralee County Kerry), is a businessman and former senior Irish politician. ... The Minister for Finance is the senior minister at the Department of Finance (An Roinn Airgeadais) in the Irish Government. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar. ... is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Ruairi Quinn (Irish: Ruairí Ó Cuinn) (born 2 April 1946) is an Irish Labour politician. ... The modern title of Minister for Labour was created by the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1966 as a member of the Irish Government. ... is the 69th day of the year (70th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year 1987. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Gemma Hussey (born 11th November, 1938), was a senior Irish Fine Gael politician. ... Michael OKennedy, (born February, 1936) was a senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. ... Dublin Central is a constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. ... Dublin Finglas was a short-lived former parliamentary constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament or Oireachtas. ... Open seat redirects here. ... is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Ireland. ... For other uses, see Dublin (disambiguation). ... Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party (Irish: ), commonly referred to as Fianna Fáil (IPA ; traditionally translated by the party into English as Soldiers of Destiny, though the actual meaning is Soldiers [Fianna] of Ireland[1]), is currently the largest political party in Ireland with 55,000 members. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Taoiseach (IPA: , phonetic: TEE-shock — plural: Taoisigh ( or ), also referred to as An Taoiseach [1], is the head of government or prime minister of the Republic of Ireland . ... is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

Ahern has been a Teachta Dála (TD) since 1977 and he represents the constituency of Dublin Central. He served in the governments of Charles Haughey and Albert Reynolds as Minister for Labour (1987–1991) and Minister for Finance (1991–1994). He also served briefly as Tánaiste after the break-up of Albert Reynolds' coalition government. In 1994 he was elected sixth leader of Fianna Fáil. A Teachta Dála (Irish for Dáil Deputy, pronounced chock-ta dawla) is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower chamber of the Irish Oireachtas or National Parliament. ... Dublin Central is a constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Albert Reynolds (born November 3, 1932), was the eighth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. ... The modern title of Minister for Labour was created by the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1966 as a member of the Irish Government. ... The Minister for Finance is the senior minister at the Department of Finance (An Roinn Airgeadais) in the Irish Government. ... The Tánaiste (IPA: ; plural Tánaistí ), or, more formally, An Tánaiste[1], is the deputy prime minister of the Republic of Ireland. ... A coalition government, or coalition cabinet, is a cabinet in parliamentary government in which several parties cooperate. ...

Ahern is currently involved in an enquiry into large payments made to him in the mid-1990s. This issue has seen him called before the Mahon Tribunal. As a result, in an address delivered to the media outside government buildings on the 2 April 2008, while highlighting the successes of his leadership, he announced his intention to resign the office of Taoiseach and as leader of Fianna Fáil. He duly resigned on 6 May 2008. The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ... is the 92nd day of the year (93rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 126th day of the year (127th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

Early Life

Ahern was born in Drumcondra, Dublin. This is an area within his Dublin Central constituency where he has lived all his life. Ahern is the youngest of five children of Con Ahern and Julia Ahern (née Hourihane), both natives of Co. Cork. Con Ahern and Julia Hourihane were married in October 1937 and settled at Church Avenue, Drumcondra, where they resided for the rest of their lives.^[1] The other four children are Maurice, Kathleen, Noel, and Eileen.^[1] In Dublin, Ahern's father worked as a farm manager at All Hallows College, Drumcondra. Ahern's brother, Noel, is also involved in politics and is currently a TD representing Dublin North West. WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates: 53. ... Statistics Province: Munster County Town: Cork Code: C (CK proposed) Area: 7,457 km² Population (2006) 480,909 (including City of Cork); 361,766 (without Cork City) Website: www. ... Maurice Ahern (Dublin) Fianna Fáil The Republican Party Councillor Maurice Ahern Maurice Ahern is a Fianna Fáil member of Dublin City Council for the Cabra - Glasnevin Local Electoral Area. ... All Hallows College is located in Drumcondra, Dublin, Ireland and is linked to Dublin City University. ... Noel Ahern (born 28 December 1944), is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. ... Dublin North-West is a constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. ...

Bertie Ahern's father Con, was born into a farming family near Ballyfeard, which is located near Kinsale, Co Cork, in 1904.^[2] His mother also came from a farming background and was from near Castledonovan, west Co. Cork. Ahern's father, Con, initially left Co. Cork and went to Dublin in the early 1930s to train for the priesthood, but did not complete his studies with the Vincentian order.^[1][2] He had fought in the War of Independence and in the Civil War and was a supporter of Éamon de Valera and the Anti-Treaty IRA.^[2] He was a member of the 3rd Cork Brigade of the IRA.^[1] He remained a militant Irish Republican for decades after the War of Independence. Con Ahern died in 1990. Bertie Ahern's mother, Julia, died in 1998, aged 87 years, and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.^[3][4] Market Street in Kinsale, one of the towns oldest thoroughfares Kinsale (Cionn tSáile in Irish) is a town in County Cork, Ireland. ... For other uses, see Dublin (disambiguation). ... Vincentian Family http://www. ... Combatants Irish Republic United Kingdom Commanders Michael Collins Richard Mulcahy Cathal Brugha Important local IRA leaders Henry Hugh Tudor Strength Irish Republican Army c. ... The Irish Civil War (June 28, 1922 – May 24, 1923) was a conflict between supporters and opponents of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 6, 1921, which established the Irish Free State, precursor of todays Republic of Ireland. ... Éamon de Valera[1][2] (IPA: ) (Irish: ) (born Edward George de Valera 14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. ... Signature page of the Anglo-Irish Treaty The Anglo-Irish Treaty, officially called the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty Between Great Britain and Ireland, was a treaty between the Government of the United Kingdom and representatives of the extra-judicial Irish Republic that concluded the Irish War of Independence. ... Following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty on 6 December 1921, the Irish Republican Army in the 26 counties that were to become the Irish Free State split between supporters and opponents of the Treaty. ... This article is about the historical army of the Irish Republic (1919–1922) which fought in the Irish War of Independence 1919–21, and the Irish Civil War 1922–23. ... Fianna Fáil - The Republican Party (Pronounced fee-na fall.) (English: Soldiers of Destiny) is the largest political party in the Republic of Ireland. ... Glasnevin Cemetery The round tower (centre) stands over the tomb of Daniel OConnell Glasnevin gravestones Glasnevin Cemetery, also known as Prospect Cemetery, is the main Catholic cemetery in Dublin, the capital of Ireland. ...

Ahern claims he can remember guns being hidden around the house, and An Garda Síochána being afraid to question his father. Ahern was educated at St. Patrick's National School in Drumcondra, St. Aidan's Christian Brothers in Whitehall,^[5] and Dublin Institute of Technology. He has also claimed, or it was claimed by others on his behalf in circulated biographies, that he was educated at University College Dublin and the London School of Economics but neither university has any records that show Ahern was ever one of their students.^[6] A member of the motorcycle unit of the Garda Síochána. ... Note: This page needs to be cleaned up to be brought into conformance with the Manual of Style. ... The Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) was established officially in 1992 under the Dublin Institute of Technology Act but had been previously set up in 1978 on an ad-hoc basis. ... University College Dublin - National University of Ireland, Dublin - more commonly University College Dublin (UCD) - is Irelands largest university, with over 20,000 students. ... Mascot: Beaver Affiliations: University of London Russell Group EUA ACU CEMS APSIA Golden Triangle G5 Group Universities UK Website: http://www. ...

He worked in the Accounts Department of the Mater Hospital, Dublin, from where he is still technically on a career break.Ahern has often been described, and has referred to himself, as an accountant. There is no legal definition in Ireland of the term accountant and he is not a qualified chartered, certified or public accountant^{[citation needed]}. The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (commonly known as Mater Hospital) is a major teaching hospital, based at Eccles Street, Phibsboro, on the northside of Dublin, Ireland. ... A career break is a period of time out from employment. ...

By 1972 Ahern had met his future wife, Miriam Kelly, a bank official who lived near to the Aherns. Ahern and Kelly married in 1975. Ahern has two daughters from his marriage: Georgina and Cecelia. Georgina is the wife of Westlife member Nicky Byrne and gave birth to sons, Rocco Bertie and Jay Nicky, on 20 April 2007. Cecelia is a best-selling author of novels. Cecelia Ahern (b. ... Westlife is an Irish pop band that was formed on July 3, 1998. ... Nicky Byrne (born Nicholas Bernard James Adam Byrne, October 9, 1978 ) , Baldoyle, County Dublin) is the oldest member of popular Irish pop band, Westlife. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... For other uses, see Novel (disambiguation). ...

Ahern and his wife separated in 1992. Until 2003, Ahern maintained a relationship with Celia Larkin Celia Larkin was the longtime partner of Irish prime minister (Taoiseach) Bertie Ahern. ...

Ahern is a practising Roman Catholic. He attends Mass every Saturday evening in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin. However, he was publicly criticised by the then Archbishop of Dublin Desmond Cardinal Connell for the public nature of his relationship with his Celia Larkin. Larkin was appointed to the board of the National Consumer Agency in July 2005, on the recommendation of Ahern's department. Catholic Church redirects here. ... The Malborough Street frontage of the Pro-Cathedral St Marys Church, known also as St Marys Pro-Cathedral or simply the Pro-Cathedral, is the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland. ... Primate of Ireland is a title possessed by the Catholic and Church of Ireland (Anglican) Archbishops of Dublin. ... Dr. Desmond Cardinal Connell (born 24 March 1926) is a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. ...

Ahern is an avid fan of sport. He is a keen supporter of Dublin GAA and can been seen at many Dublin matches during the Summer in Croke Park.^[7] and Manchester United football club. He also watches matches at Old Trafford and rugby matches at Lansdowne Road regularly. The Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) (Irish: Cummann Luthchleas Gael Coiste Contae Ath Cliath) or Dublin GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Dublin. ... Croke Park (Irish: Páirc an Chrócaigh) in Dublin, Ireland is the largest sports stadium in Ireland and the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Irelands biggest sporting organisation. ... Manchester Uniteds emblem Manchester United F.C. (often abbreviated to Man United or just Man U, pronounced man-yoo) is an English football club based at Old Trafford in Greater Manchester. ... Old Trafford (given the nickname The Theatre of Dreams by Sir Bobby Charlton) is an all-seater football stadium in the Greater Manchester borough of Trafford, and is the home of Manchester United F.C.. The ground has been Uniteds permanent home since 1910, bar an eight year absence... A DART train passes under the Lansdowne Road Rugby Football Stadium and over the level crossing as it enters the station of the same name. ...

Member of Teachta Dála

Ahern first became involved in a Fianna Fáil by-election campaign in 1965, climbing lamp posts to hang election posters in Drumcondra. During the campaign, Ahern met his political mentor and future Taoiseach, Charles Haughey. Ahern became a member of Fianna Fáil at the age of 17, and in the 1969 general election he helped in the election campaign in his constituency. A by-election or bye-election is a special election held to fill a political office when the incumbent has died or resigned. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party (Irish: ), commonly referred to as Fianna Fáil (IPA ; traditionally translated by the party into English as Soldiers of Destiny, though the actual meaning is Soldiers [Fianna] of Ireland[1]), is currently the largest political party in Ireland with 55,000 members. ... Jack Lynch becomes Taoiseach after winning his first election as leader of Fianna Fáil The Irish general election of 1969 was held on June 18, 1969, just over four years after its predecessor. ...

Ahern's first run for elected office was during the landslide 1977 general election, when Fianna Fáil formed the last single-party government with a 20-seat Dáil majority, the largest ever. Ahern received 4,000 first preference votes in the newly created Dublin Finglas constituency and was elected with transfers from other candidates. In subsequent elections Ahern became one of the highest vote-getters in the country. In politics, a landslide victory (or just a landslide) is the victory of a candidate or political party by an overwhelming majority in an election. ... The Irish general election of 1977 was held on June 16, 1977. ... This article is about the current Irish body. ... Dublin Finglas was a short-lived former parliamentary constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament or Oireachtas. ...

During his first years as a Teachta Dála (TD), Ahern was an anonymous backbencher, but did display ambition. In 1979 when Charles Haughey and George Colley, both constituency colleagues, fought a divisive battle for the position of party leader and Taoiseach, Ahern is believed to have backed Haughey. Ahern had served on a health committee with Haughey in the mid-1970s. Following Haughey's victory, Ahern was appointed Assistant-Government Chief Whip. George Colley (18 October 1925 - 17 September 1983), was a senior Irish politician. ... The Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach is essentially the Irish Government Chief Whip and is the most senior Minister of State. ...

In 1980, due to the illness of the actual Chief Whip, Seán Moore, he was effectively running the office. Ahern increased his personal vote in all three general elections of 1981 and 1982, even out-polling^[8] his running mate, George Colley, previously a candidate for Taoiseach. In the short-lived Fianna Fáil government of 1982 Ahern served as Government Chief Whip. Fianna Fáil were then consigned to the opposition benches for five years. During this period Ahern became Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Labour and, in 1986, Lord Mayor of Dublin. Seán Moore (19th May 1913 – 1st October 1986) was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. ... The Mansion House The Lord Mayor of Dublin is the symbolic head of the city government in the capital of Ireland. ...

In government

Minister for Labour

In 1987 Fianna Fáil returned to power as a minority government. Ahern became Minister for Labour, which was not considered an important portfolio. In the following years, however, the department was important in stimulating Ireland's ailing economy. Haughey, Albert Reynolds and [[Ray MacSharry were involved in negotiating with trade unions and in making a national economic agreement. Although MacSharry and Reynolds were members of the Party's hierarchy, it was Ahern who was seen as the key player. The modern title of Minister for Labour was created by the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1966 as a member of the Irish Government. ... Albert Reynolds (born November 3, 1932), was the eighth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. ...

In 1989 Haughey called an early general election in the hope of achieving the elusive overall majority which had evaded him so far. However, Fianna Fáil, while increasing its share of the vote, actually lost seats. Fianna Fáil was forced into coalition government to retain power. The Progressive Democrats seemed the most likely partners and negotiations were led by Albert Reynolds and Ahern. Coalition was abhorrent to some members of Fianna Fáil and the negotiations were criticised. This prompted Ahern to quote John F. Kennedy: "We will not negotiate through fear, but we will never fear to negotiate." A coalition was formed with Ahern returning as Minister for Labour again. The Progressive Democrats (Irish An Páirtí Daonlathach, lit. ... Albert Reynolds (born November 3, 1932), was the eighth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. ... John Kennedy and JFK redirect here. ...

Presidential election 1990

In 1990 Ahern was campaign manager for the presidential bid of his cabinet colleague, Brian Lenihan. It proved to be Ahern's least successful campaign as the apparently unbeatable Lenihan lost to Independent candidate Mary Robinson. In the Irish presidential election in 1990 the Irish Labour Party let it be known that it would for the first time run a candidate. ... For the poet, see Mary Robinson (poet). ...

Controversy surrounded the revelation that Lenihan's public version of an incident involving the outgoing President contradicted the version told earlier to a student of journalism. Ahern's revelation, whether deliberate or accidental, that the journalist was Jim Duffy, lead to the reluctant release of a portion of the original interview. In the aftermath, Lenihan was sacked from the Cabinet and lost the election. Ahern was damaged in the short term by being seen as the first Fianna Fáil presidential election campaign manager to lose a presidential election. The President of Ireland (Irish: ) is the head of state of Ireland. ... Jim Duffy (born 12 April 1966) is an Irish historian, political commentator and author. ...

In 1991 the Fianna Fáil–Progressive Democrats programme for government was reviewed. Ahern was a key player in these talks yet again. When all hope had faded of a return to government Ahern pulled off a master stroke and the coalition was back on track. This prompted Haughey to remark of Ahern, "He's the most skilful, the most devious, the most cunning of them all."^[9]

Minister for Finance

In November 1991, Reynolds, then Minister for Finance, launched a leadership challenge to Haughey. Ahern publicly backed Haughey.^[10] The challenge failed and Reynolds and his supporters were dismissed from the Cabinet. In the reshuffle that followed Ahern became Minister for Finance. The Minister for Finance is the senior minister at the Department of Finance (An Roinn Airgeadais) in the Irish Government. ...

Reynolds succeeds

In early 1992 Charles Haughey resigned. Ahern was encouraged by Haughey and others to bid for the position. He was apprehensive, however, and remained out of the contest, allowing Reynolds to become party leader and Taoiseach. It is believed that Reynolds and Ahern struck a deal in which Ahern would withdraw and thus remain in the Cabinet, to succeed subsequently. Ahern and Michael Woods were the only two senior members to remain in the new Reynolds Cabinet, with Ahern retaining his Finance portfolio.

Following the 1992 general election Fianna Fáil formed a coalition government with the Labour Party. This lasted until 1994 when Labour withdrew from government due to unhappiness with Reynolds's proposed candidate for President of the High Court. Ahern briefly succeeded Labour leader Dick Spring as acting Tánaiste. However the government fell and Reynolds resigned as Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader. The Irish general election of 1992 was held on Wednesday, November 25, 1992, almost three weeks after the dissolution of the Dáil on November 5. ... Richard Spring (born August 29, 1950 in Tralee County Kerry), is a businessman and former senior Irish politician. ...

During 1993, while he was Finance Minister, Ahern accepted payments of IR £39,000 from various businessmen: see below for details. These payments did not become public knowledge until 2006. Bartholomew Patrick Bertie Ahern (Irish: Parthalán Pádraig Ó hEachthairn, born 12 September 1951) is an Irish politician who served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 26 June 1997 to 7 May 2008. ...

He is also under scrutiny from the Mahon Tribunal for this cash payment and subsequent revelations in May 2007 of cash received from businessman Micheál Wall. The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

Leader of Fianna Fáil

Ahern succeeded Reynolds as leader; the first unopposed candidate since Seán Lemass in 1959.^[11] Ahern was elected as the sixth leader of Fianna Fáil on 17 November 1994. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... 17 November is also the name of a Marxist group in Greece, coinciding with the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ...

Negotiations for a resumption of Government with the Labour Party began immediately. It was expected that the coalition would continue and that Ahern would become Taoiseach. However, due to new revelations, the Labour leader withdrew from coalition and Ahern found himself as Leader of the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition (Ir Ceannaire an Fhreasúra) in the Republic of Ireland is the politician who, at least in theory, leads the Parliamentary Opposition bloc in the lower house of the Irish Parliament, Dáil Éireann. ...

In the 1997 general election Fianna Fáil's campaign centred on Ahern's personal popularity. The party gained seats and formed a coalition government with the Progressive Democrats, with the support of four Independent TDs. On 26 June 1997, aged 45, Ahern became the youngest ever Taoiseach. The Irish general election of 1997 was held on Friday, June 6, 1997. ... is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... The Taoiseach (plural: Taoisigh) is the head of government or prime minister of the Republic of Ireland. ...

Taoiseach First Term 1997–2002

Early issues

Ahern's first government saw some teething problems during its first six months. Firstly, Ahern tried to nominate David Andrews as Minister for Defence and as Junior Minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs. This was unconstitutional as one minister cannot be subordinate to another. Ahern was forced to retreat. David Andrews (born March 15, 1936) is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician and barrister. ... The Minister for Defence is the senior minister at the Department of Defence (An Roinn Cosanta) in the Irish Government. ... A Minister of State, in the Republic of Ireland, is a junior minister of non-cabinet rank, attached to one or more Departments of State of the cabinet. ... The Department of Foreign Affairs (An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha) is the government department of the Irish government that is responsible for promoting the interests of Ireland in the European Union and the wider world. ...

Secondly, in July, Charles Haughey gave evidence to the McCracken Tribunal on corruption confirming that he had received IR£1.3 million (€1.7 million) in gifts from businessman Ben Dunne, which he had previously denied. This damaged Haughey's reputation more than the Government's. Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Mr Justice Brian Moore McCracken was born in Cork on July 13, 1934. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Thirdly, earlier allegations resurfaced about Ahern's Foreign Minister, Ray Burke. Burke eventually admitted to receiving IR£30,000 (€38,000) in a corrupt payment and was forced to resign. Arising from those two matters, the government established the Moriarty Tribunal and the Flood Tribunal.^[12] One of the high points of the first six months was the renewal of the Provisional IRA ceasefire, which paved the way for resumed negotiations in Northern Ireland. Raphael P. Burke (born September 30, 1943) is a former Fianna Fáil politician. ... The Moriarty Tribunal is an Irish tribunal of inquiry into (inter alia): whether substantial payments which might not have been ethical to receive were made to Charles Haughey (Taoiseach during part of the time concerned) and Michael Lowry between 1 January 1979 and 31 December 1996, the source of those... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ... The Provisional Irish Republican Army (Irish: Óglaigh na hÉireann) (IRA; also referred to as the PIRA, the Provos, or by some of its supporters as the Army or the RA.[2]) is an Irish Republican, left wing[3] paramilitary organisation that, until the Belfast Agreement, sought to end Northern... This article is about the constituent country. ...

Presidential election 1997

This article does not cite any references or sources. (May 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Another controversy during Ahern's first term in office was the selection of the Fianna Fáil candidate to contest the 1997 Presidential election. The party was still sensitive to the loss of the 1990 presidential election. Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, seen as having made significant contributions to the establishment of the Northern Ireland peace process, and former Foreign Minister Michael O'Kennedy both showed interest in the nomination. Ahern, it is alleged^{[citation needed]}, had promised Reynolds his support if Reynolds first ran in the 1997 general election. However a relatively unknown party activist, Mary McAleese, also sought the nomination. In a meeting of ministers, Ahern gave an ambiguous speech which seemed to encourage his Cabinet to support McAleese. McAleese was selected by Fianna Fáil and subsequently elected as the eighth President of Ireland. Reynolds was humiliated. The Irish general election of 1997 was held on October 30, 1997. ... In the Irish presidential election in 1990 the Irish Labour Party let it be known that it would for the first time run a candidate. ... When discussing the history of Northern Ireland, the peace process is generally considered to cover the events leading up to the 1994 Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) ceasefire, the end of most of the violence of the Troubles, the Belfast (or Good Friday) Agreement, and subsequent political developments. ... Michael OKennedy, (born February, 1936) was a senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. ... Mary Patricia McAleese (Irish: [1]; born 27 June 1951) is the eighth, and current President of Ireland. ... The President of Ireland (Irish: ) is the head of state of Ireland. ...

Peace process

A significant achievement of Ahern's first term was his part in the negotiation of the Belfast Agreement, commonly called the Good Friday Agreement, in which the British and Irish Governments and most Northern Irish political parties established an "exclusively peaceful and democratic" framework for power-sharing in Northern Ireland. The agreement was signed on 10 April 1998. It was seen as something special because not only was it endorsed by the political parties, it was endorsed also by the British and Irish governments and the people of the Republic and Northern Ireland. The Belfast Agreement (Irish: ), although more commonly known as the Good Friday Agreement (Irish: ), and occasionally as the Stormont Agreement was a major political development in the Northern Ireland peace process. ... This article is about the constituent country. ... is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... This article is about the constituent country. ...

The agreement, the ceasefires and political structures it created have encouraged peace. The negotiations also led to his friendship with the former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. On 26 November 1998 Blair became the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to address Dáil Éireann. On 22 May 2008, Ahern and Blair were both awarded honorary doctorates by Queen's University Belfast in recognition of their roles in the peace process. University Chancellor [[George Mitchell] praised Mr Ahern as "a man of peace and a builder of bridges". ^[13] The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is, in practice, the political leader of the United Kingdom. ... For other people of the same name, see Tony Blair (disambiguation) Anthony Charles Lynton Blair (born May 6, 1953)[1] is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, Leader of the Labour Party, and Member of Parliament for the constituency... is the 330th day of the year (331st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... This article is about the current Irish body. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... Queens University Belfast is a university in Belfast, Northern Ireland. ...

Economy

This article does not cite any references or sources. (May 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Ahern's term in office so far has been a period of high economic growth in Ireland, known as the Celtic Tiger. Increased prosperity and a better standard of living were the main results of the Celtic Tiger economy. The good economic conditions allowed his Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, to deliver several generous budgets. However this has started to change recently with a tight budget for 2008 with unemployment expected to rise 5.6% this year with the construction industry on the fall. Economic growth has also slowed to its lowest levels in over a decade, and Ireland is one of the most expensive places to live in the world, this is due to inflation running at 5% last year. For the Irish dance show, see Celtic Tiger Live. ... Charles Charlie McCreevy, (Irish name: Cathal Mac Riabhaigh; born 30 September 1949) is an Irish politician. ...

Another achievement was Ireland's vigilant and swift reaction to the 2001 Foot & Mouth Disease Crisis. Only a handful of cases were reported in Ireland and the government was generally praised for their intervention. Notice telling people to keep off the North York Moors. ...

The 28th Dáil served its full term becoming the 2nd longest Dáil to complete a full term. The coalition of Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats was re-elected with an increased majority in the 2002 general election on 17 May. Fianna Fáil had hoped for a majority, but remained three seats short of the 84 required. The coalition Government returned to power, comprising Fianna Fáil and the eight Progressive Democrats TDs. It was the first time a Government had been re-elected since Jack Lynch's in 1969. The opposition Fine Gael party suffered substantial losses. The 28th Dáil was elected on 6 June 1997 and first met on 26 June when President Mary Robinson, appointed Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach, on the nomination of the Dáil Éireann. ... The Irish general election of 2002 was held on Friday 17 May 2002, just over three weeks after the dissolution of the 28th Dáil on Thursday 25 April by President Mary McAleese, at the request of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. ... is the 137th day of the year (138th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Progressive Democrats (Irish An Páirtí Daonlathach, lit. ... John (Jack) Mary Lynch (15 August 1917—20 October 1999), was the fourth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving two terms in office; 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979. ... Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party, usually referred to as Fine Gael (IPA: , though often anglicised to ; approximate English translation: Family/Tribe of the Irish, is the second largest political party in the Republic of Ireland with a membership of over 34,000, and is the largest opposition party in...

Second Term 2002–2007

US President George W. Bush, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Ahern at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland on 8 April 2003.

Controversy arose when it was announced shortly afterwards that financial cutbacks were needed due to the drop in the international and Irish economies. This contradicted Fianna Fáil's promise during the election campaign when Finance Minister McCreevy was quoted several times saying that "no cutbacks, secret or otherwise, were planned". The government was accused of lying to the public, particularly concerning the war in Iraq (see below). The Government's rating fell badly in opinion polls and Ahern's popularity dropped to its minimum. US President George W. Bush, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, April 8, 2003. ... US President George W. Bush, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, April 8, 2003. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is, in practice, the political leader of the United Kingdom. ... For other people of the same name, see Tony Blair (disambiguation) Anthony Charles Lynton Blair (born May 6, 1953)[1] is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, Leader of the Labour Party, and Member of Parliament for the constituency... The official entrance of Hillsborough Castle Hillsborough Castle in County Down is a mansion in Northern Ireland. ... This article is about the constituent country. ... is the 98th day of the year (99th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

During 2003, the government was subject to more controversy when it became public that US military aircraft, carrying large numbers of troops, were refuelling at Shannon Airport, despite opposition in certain sectors to the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. Ireland's policy since the foundation of the State has been to be a neutral party in any conflict. The Government had maintained that troops had not used Shannon but when this was disproved, it then claimed that such permission had been available for 50 years. Shannon International Airport (IATA: SNN, ICAO: EINN), or Aerfort na Sionna in Irish is one of Irelands primary three airports (along with Dublin Airport and Cork Airport). ... This article is about the 2003 invasion of Iraq. ...

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. Despite speculation, no leadership challenge occurred and Ahern recovered in the polls. His reputation for inaction in changing Cabinet ministers ended with his long-heralded 2004 Cabinet reshuffle which earned him the nickname, "the Tipp-Ex Taoiseach" after his failed attempt to sack Séamus Brennan from the Cabinet. The reshuffle was not as extensive as some had hoped as only three new members entered government. Séamus Brennan (born February 16, 1948) is a senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. ...

President George W. Bush accepts a bowl of shamrock from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern during a ceremony celebrating St. Patrick's Day in 2005.

The unpopular phase seemed short-lived as the government rearranged its priorities and the economy grew. A notable law enacted by this government was the ban on smoking in workplaces and enclosed areas in March 2004. Improvements had been made in the transport infrastructure with the launch of the Luas light rail system in Dublin, many new motorways being built and the break-up of Aer Rianta, the state-owned Airport Management company. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... Luas [l̪ˠuː(É™)s̪ˠ] (Irish for speed), also promoted in the development stage as the Dublin Light Rail System, currently encompasses two unconnected on-street light rail lines in Dublin, Ireland. ... Dublin Airport Authority plc (known until 1st October 2004 as Aer Rianta cpt1) is the state owned airport authority in the Republic of Ireland. ...

In November 2004, Ahern celebrated ten years as leader of Fianna Fáil. In April 2006, he became the second longest serving Taoiseach, after Éamon de Valera. The Taoiseach (plural: Taoisigh) is the head of government or prime minister of the Republic of Ireland. ... Éamon de Valera[1][2] (IPA: ) (Irish: ) (born Edward George de Valera 14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. ...

One of Ahern's achievements in 2004 was his Presidency of the European Council [3], during which EU leaders agreed a European Constitution, there was recovery in EU-US relations, the EU formally admitted 10 new members, and selected José Manuel Barroso as next President of the European Commission. Briefly, it appeared^{[citation needed]} as if Ahern himself might become President of the Commission, however, he declined in favour of domestic politics. The treaty was subsequently defeated in referenda in the Netherlands and France. Presidency of the Council of the European Union refers to the responsibility of presiding over all aspects of the Council of the European Union, when exercised collectively by a government, on a pre-established rota of the member states, of the European Union. ... Wikisource has original text related to this article: Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe The constitutional treaty as signed in Rome on 29 October 2004 by representatives of the EU member states The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (TCE), commonly referred to as the European Constitution, was an unimplemented... The European Union is a unique geo-political entity covering a large portion of the European continent. ... José Manuel Durão Barroso, GCC (pronounced  ) (born in Porto, March 23, 1956) is a Portuguese politician and the 11th President of the European Commission, being the first Portuguese person to hold the post. ... François-Xavier Ortoli, Romano Prodi, José Manuel Barroso and Jacques Delors The President of the European Commission is notionally the highest ranking unelected official within the European Union bureaucracy. ...

Ahern's government spent €52 million on the Nedap Electronic Voting system. This was challenged as being insecure and could have been tampered with in order to change results.^[14] The Irish government had made plans to introduce nationwide electronic voting for the local and European Parliament elections in 2004. ...

His coalition partners in government, the Progressive Democrats, said that he had questions to answer as details of an £8,000 (€11,800) payment for speaking engagements, in Manchester in 1994, emerged. The continued appearance of details of his appearances in Manchester and the names of those who were present at functions threatened to destabilise his Coalition Government, especially so when it transpired that one of the businessmen Micheál Wall subsequently sold a house to Ahern. The strains in the coalition eased after Ahern apologised for a second time in the Dáil and agreed to tighten up on ethics legislation.^[15] The Progressive Democrats (Irish An Páirtí Daonlathach, lit. ...

The Moriarty Tribunal [4] reporting in December 2006, criticised Ahern for having signed blank cheques for the then party leader Charles Haughey, who misappropriated taxpayers' funds for personal use. The disbursement of funds to Fianna Fáil and their investigation by the tribunal have raised questions of the involvement of Ahern in the administration of these funds. The Moriarty Tribunal is an Irish tribunal of inquiry into (inter alia): whether substantial payments which might not have been ethical to receive were made to Charles Haughey (Taoiseach during part of the time concerned) and Michael Lowry between 1 January 1979 and 31 December 1996, the source of those... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party (Irish: ), commonly referred to as Fianna Fáil (IPA ; traditionally translated by the party into English as Soldiers of Destiny, though the actual meaning is Soldiers [Fianna] of Ireland[1]), is currently the largest political party in Ireland with 55,000 members. ...

In May 2007 he became the first Irish leader to address a joint session of the UK Parliament^[16] The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative institution in the United Kingdom and British overseas territories (it alone has parliamentary sovereignty). ...

Ahern hoped to win a third general election in 2007 while opinion polls, in April 2007, suggested that this was improbable.^[17][18]

Polls in April 2007 showed his coalition of Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats at 35% and 3% respectively against^[19] the Fine Gael–Labour Party alternative government figure of 38%. A further poll published 27 April 2007,^[20] shows Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats at 34% and 3% respectively compared to Fine Gael and Labour at 31% and 10%. A promise by the Labour Party, at their February 2007 party conference of a cut in the basic rate of income tax, paid by 80% of workers, from 20% to 18% created some excitement in political and media circles. Income tax cuts by the Fianna Fáil–Progressive Democrats government had concentrated on the top rate of tax and Labour were able to portray their proposal as progressive to the discomfiture of Fianna Fáil. is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

Ahern received staunch support during the campaign from Eoghan Harris, writing in the Sunday Independent. Harris declared that the anti-Ahern campaign was the most sinister manipulation of the Irish media that he had seen in his lifetime, and that Sinn Féin would be the main beneficiaries of a fall in support for Ahern and Fianna Fáil.^[21] Harris was nominated to Seanad Éireann on 3 August 2007 by Ahern. Senator Eoghan Harris is an Irish politician and a sometimes controversial and outspoken newspaper columnist and polemicist. ... The Sunday Independent is a broadsheet Sunday newspaper published in the Republic of Ireland by Independent News and Media plc. ... For pre-Arthur Griffith use of the political name, see Sinn Féin (19th century). ... Type Upper house of Oireachtas Cathaoirleach Pat Moylan, Fianna Fáil since 13 September 2007 Members 60 Political groups Fianna Fáil Fine Gael Labour Party Independents Progressive Democrats Green Party Sinn Féin Last elections 2007 Meeting place Leinster House Web site www. ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

Ahern dissolved the Dáil in April 2007 and called an election for 24 May 2007. Ahern's party received 78 seats a loss of three seats from the 2002 election result. This was regarded as a Fianna Fáil 'victory', as questions about Ahern's finances overshadowed the early part of the election campaign, which threatened to cause huge losses for Ahern's party. His partners in the government, the Progressive Democrats suffered a reduction in representation from 8 to 2 seats including the loss of their leader. Dáil Éireann[1] is the lower house of the Oireachtas (parliament) of the Republic of Ireland. ... is the 144th day of the year (145th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Progressive Democrats (Irish An Páirtí Daonlathach, lit. ...

Third Term 2007–2008

Following the general election of 2007 Ahern was elected to a third term as Taoiseach, leading a rainbow coalition of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats, and also supported by several Independent TDs. This is the first Rainbow coalition comprising Fianna Fáil, with all their previous coalitions comprising just one partner. The Irish general election of 2007 took place on 24 May 2007 after the dissolution of the 29th Dáil by the President on 29 April 2007, at the request of the Taoiseach. ... The Green Party (Irish: ; lit. ... The Progressive Democrats (Irish An Páirtí Daonlathach, lit. ...

Requiring 83 seats to return the government, Ahern's options were to attempt to govern with the Progressive Democrats plus two "gene-pool"^[22] independents (Jackie Healy-Rae and Beverley Flynn) and one or more of the other three independents (Michael Lowry (ex Fine Gael) Finian McGrath or Tony Gregory). The other options were an alliance with the Green Party or the Labour Party. In the event, Fianna Fáil negotiated a programme for government with the Green Party, and formed a new rainbow coalition with the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats, supported by Healy-Rae, Flynn, Lowry and McGrath. The Progressive Democrats (Irish An Páirtí Daonlathach, lit. ... Jackie Healy-Rae (born 1 March 1931) is an Independent Irish politician. ... Beverley Flynn is an Irish politician, representing the constituency of Mayo. ... Michael Lowry is a Republic of Ireland politician. ... Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party, usually referred to as Fine Gael (IPA: , though often anglicised to ; approximate English translation: Family/Tribe of the Irish, is the second largest political party in the Republic of Ireland with a membership of over 34,000, and is the largest opposition party in... Finian McGrath is an Irish Independent politician. ... Tony Gregory (born December, 1947) is an Irish Independent politician and a Teachta Dála (TD) for Dublin Central. ... The Green Party (Irish: ; lit. ... The Labour Party (Irish: Páirtí an Lucht Oibre) is a Democratic Socialist political party in the Republic of Ireland. ...

On 4 July 2007 Ahern stated at a conference in Donegal, that he did not understand why people sitting on the sidelines, moaning and cribbing about the economy did not commit suicide.^[23] These comments came at a time when Ireland's economy is beginning to falter,^[24] and with property prices falling by up to 10% as part of the Irish Property Bubble. is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The property market in the Republic of Ireland in 2007 is controversially described by some as the Irish Property Bubble. ...

An opinion poll published^[25] on 25 November 2007, showed that support for Fianna Fáil dropped by seven percent, "following the announcement of large pay increases for the government and senior public servants against a backdrop of continuing economic uncertainty and high-profile failures in the health service." is the 329th day of the year (330th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

Ahern urged the nation on 17 March 2008 to honour its "most famous immigrant" — and avoid drinking too much alcohol — as an estimated half a million revelers lined the sunny streets of Dublin for Saint Patrick's Day.^[26] is the 76th day of the year (77th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... St. ...

On 2 April 2008, Ahern announced his intention to resign as Taoiseach and as leader of Fianna Fáil on 6 May 2008. is the 92nd day of the year (93rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 126th day of the year (127th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

On 30 April 2008, in Washington DC, Ahern became the sixth Irish leader to address the United States Congress.^[27] He is also the sixth person who has addressed both the United Kingdom's Parliament and the United States Congress.^[28] is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... Type Bicameral Houses Senate House of Representatives President of the Senate President pro tempore Dick Cheney, (R) since January 20, 2001 Robert C. Byrd, (D) since January 4, 2007 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Members 535 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political...

On 6 May 2008 he performed his last official duty as Taoiseach in opening the Battle of the Boyne visitors centre with Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley. is the 126th day of the year (127th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... Ian Richard Kyle Paisley (born 6 April 1926), styled The Revd and Rt Hon. ...

Controversy

Admission of undeclared payments

Ahern was criticised by the Moriarty Tribunal for signing blank cheques for the then Taoiseach Charles Haughey, without asking what those cheques were for. Ahern told the tribunal that a policy of signing blank cheques was used on the Fianna Fáil party leader's account for reasons of "administrative convenience".^[29] In September 2006 The Irish Times printed claims allegedly leaked^[30] from The Mahon Tribunal that Ahern had received money from a millionaire businessman while Minister for Finance in 1993. The Moriarty Tribunal is an Irish tribunal of inquiry into (inter alia): whether substantial payments which might not have been ethical to receive were made to Charles Haughey (Taoiseach during part of the time concerned) and Michael Lowry between 1 January 1979 and 31 December 1996, the source of those... It has been suggested that Irish Times Trust be merged into this article or section. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

The editor of The Irish Times defended the publication as being in the public interest at a hearing of the tribunal, saying that it was not a party to the Supreme Court case which restrained the Sunday Business Post from publishing leaked documents. This order was directed against the Sunday Business Post but its interim order purported to restrain all media outlets from publishing confidential material from the inquiry.

Ahern has admitted that he did receive money but said on being interviewed that:

What I got personally in my life, to be frank with you is none of your business. If I got something from somebody as a present or something like that I can use it.

What Ahern said in 1996, while in opposition:

The public are entitled to have an absolute guarantee of the financial probity and integrity of their elected representatives, their officials and above all of Ministers. They need to know that they are under financial obligations to nobody. (Dáil Éireann transcript, December 1996)

This contradiction has been criticised in editorials in both the Irish Independent^[31] and The Irish Times^[32]

Six days after the payments were publicised, Ahern admitted in a^[33] television interview^[34] that he had received two payments totalling IR£39,000 (€50,000) in 1993 and 1994. Ahern regarded the money as a loan, but he conceded that no repayments had at that time (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 had broken no codes - ethical, tax, legal or otherwise.

On 28 November 2007, former NCB managing 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."^[35] is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

In the same interview, he also admitted to receiving a payment of £8,000 from a group of 25 businessmen in Manchester on one occasion. He claimed that this money was again unsolicited, that it was a gift and therefore not subject to tax as it had been received when abroad, and that it was paid to him after he gave an after-dinner speech at an ad hoc function. He claimed that the money was given to him as a private citizen, not to him in his then role as Minister for Finance, and that no other payments were received by him after speaking at other similar functions. The Irish Times reported on 30 September 2006 that part of this payment was actually a cheque drawn on NCB Stockbrokers, a large Irish company. A number of his benefactors have received appointments as directors of State boards.^[36] Insisting that no favours had been offered or received, Ahern said: This article is about the City of Manchester in England. ... is the 273rd day of the year (274th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

I might have appointed somebody but I appointed them because they were friends, not because of anything they had given me.

Under the Standards in Public Office Commission's rules,

State appointments should be made on the basis of merit, taking into account the skills, qualifications and experience of the person to be appointed.

Members of Dáil Éireann must conduct themselves^[37]

in accordance with the provisions and spirit of the Code of Conduct and ensure that their conduct does not bring the integrity 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% interest totalling €90,000.^[38]

On 3 October 2006 Ahern made a 15 minute statement in Dáil Éireann defending his actions in taking loans totalling IR£39,000 (€50,000) from friends in Ireland and £8,000 (€11,800) as a gift from businessmen in Manchester in 1993 and 1994.^[39][40][41] In his statement he apologised for the distress his actions had brought saying: is the 276th day of the year (277th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the current Irish body. ...

The bewilderment caused to the public about recent revelations has been deeply upsetting for me and others near and dear to me. To them, to the Irish people and to this house, I offer my apologies.

Confirmation of sterling cash lodgements

On 20 March 2008 at the Mahon Tribunal the disclosure,^[42][43] of lodgements of £15,500 sterling into building society accounts of Ahern and his daughters was accepted as a matter of probability by Ahern's former secretary Grainne Carruth. is the 79th day of the year (80th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

Previously in her evidence, Carruth, on 19 March 2008 had said, that she had not lodged sterling for Ahern, while she accepted (as a matter of probability), a day later, that she must have lodged sterling on Ahern's behalf based on the paperwork available although her recollection is that she never had sighting of sterling at any time. is the 78th day of the year (79th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

Ahern had told the tribunal during his evidence in February 2008, that the lodgements to his and his daughters' accounts had come from his salary as a politician.

'No bank account'

Further questions were raised about IR£50,000 (€63,300) which he had lodged to his bank account in 1994. He claimed this was money he had saved over a substantial period of time (1987–1994) when he had had no active bank account. During this period he was Minister for Labour and subsequently Minister for Finance. He was asked by the leader of the Labour party, Pat Rabbitte whether, in the absence of a bank account, he had kept the money in a 'sock in the hot-press' and by Joe Higgins, the leader of the Socialist Party if he had kept the money 'in a shoe-box'. Ahern replied that he had kept the money 'in his own possession'. Pat Rabbitte (born May 18, 1949) is a senior Irish politician, who has been the leader of the Labour Party since 2002. ... Joe Higgins (born 1 May 1949) was the Socialist Partys sole TD (member of the Irish Dáil Éireann), representing Dublin West. ...

Payment in relation to house

On 5 October 2006 further information emerged^[44] in the Dáil that Ahern had bought his house in Dublin from Manchester based Irish businessman, Micheál Wall, who was at an event in Manchester in 1994 where the Taoiseach received a payment of GBP£8,000 (€11,800). This caused further tensions within the Government coalition parties. For other uses, see 5th October (Serbia). ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On 10 October 2006 the Taoiseach^[15] again told the Dáil that it was an 'error of judgement' for him to accept loans and gifts for personal purposes in the early 1990s. Ahern expanded on his apology to the Dáil of the previous week, which he described as unqualified. Ahern said there would now be a change in the ethics law requiring office holders offered a gift from friends to consult the Standards in Public Office Commission^[45] and to accept their ruling. is the 283rd day of the year (284th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Money from developer

Allegations had been made that he had taken 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 businessman, Denis "Starry" O'Brien, defending himself against this allegation. However, broadcaster Eamon Dunphy has testified in the Mahon Tribunal, that he was told by developer Owen O'Callaghan, that Ahern was taken care of to support a shopping centre development in the 1990s.^[46] This follows the initial allegations, denied by Ahern and O'Callaghan, by retired developer Tom Gilmartin, that O'Callaghan told him that he had given Ahern a payment of £50,000 in 1989, and a payment of £30,000 in 1993, in connection with a development of lands at Quarryvale, west Dublin. Gilmartin further alleged being told that O'Callaghan had paid Ahern in excess of £20,000 in relation to tax designation of a site in which O'Callaghan had an interest in Athlone, the designation having been Ahern's last act as Finance Minister before the Fianna Fáil-led Government fell in December 1994. Eamon Martin Dunphy (born 3 August 1945) is a controversial Irish radio and TV personality and former professional football player. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

In March 2007, one of Ahern's Manchester benefactors, Paddy 'The Plasterer' Reilly, was appointed as the Fianna Fáil Director of Elections for Ahern's Dublin Central constituency.

In April 2007, it was alleged^[47] in a statement by his former official driver, that Ahern in 1994, while Minister for Finance, took a briefcase full of cash to Manchester. This has been denied by Ahern.

While the payment details initially seemed to damage Ahern's standing, the result of the 2007 general election indicated that the damage was minor. In April 2007, an opinion poll found that nearly half of voters believe Taoiseach Bertie Ahern still has questions to answer over the payments controversy.^[48]

Payment to refurbish property managed by Celia Larkin

In May 2007, it emerged that Ahern's then partner, Celia Larkin, received £30,000 from the businessman Micheál Wall to contribute towards the refurbishment of the house that Ahern was to buy later. Questions for Bertie.^[49]

Money given to Celia Larkin

On 2 February 2008, it emerged at the Mahon Tribunal, that a house was bought by the Ahern's former partner Celia Larkin in 1993 with money donated to Ahern's constituency organisation in Drumcondra.^[50] There was no documentation to back up this loan to Ahern's partner or to prove around IR£30,000 in other expenditure from this account. Dublin businessman Tim Collins has denied that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was joint holder of the so-called BT account from which Celia Larkin was loaned IR£30,000 without documentation to describe the loan agreement.^[51] Tim Collins denied that the BT account referred to Bertie and Tim, even though he operated a joint account with Des Richardson known as the DT account^[52] is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ... Celia Larkin was the longtime partner of Irish prime minister (Taoiseach) Bertie Ahern. ...

Appearance at the Mahon Planning Tribunal

On 13 September 2007, Ahern commenced four days of testimony under oath at the Mahon Tribunal. On 13 September, Ahern admitted that he had not cooperated with the Mahon planning tribunal. Counsel stated that information supplied "did not encompass all of the material questions that had been asked of you" to which Ahern replied "I accept that, yes".^[53][54] On 14 September 2007, inconsistencies in Ahern's statements to the Tribunal emerged, after he changed his story on the infamous IR£25,000 dig-outs.^[55] On 21 September 2007 Ahern again changed his story and said he could not remember key events at the centre of the current controversy.^[56] is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ... is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 257th day of the year (258th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

Tribunal chairman Judge Alan Mahon said there were "significant gaps in the money trail provided by Mr Ahern which "would have made it impossible for the tribunal to follow the trail".^[57]

Judge Gerald Keyes accused Mr Ahern of having no recollection of buying stg£30,000 in the early 1990s.^[58]

Judge Mary Faherty accused Mr Ahern of giving polar opposite accounts of why he withdrew IR£50,000 from AIB, O'Connell St in January 1995.^[59]

On 24 September there were further discrepancies, memory lapses and contradictions to his testimony under oath^[60] with Ahern agreeing with the assertions of the Tribunal that there are inconsistencies and contradictions in his statements compared to bank records and the testimony of his then partner Ms Larkin.
Ahern agreed with the Tribunal that; "It cannot be the case that Ms Larkin changed a sterling equivalent of £28,772.90 on that day, if that bank record is accurate, isn't that correct?".^[61][62]
Journalist Vincent Browne has asserted that "Ahern’s numbers game just doesn’t add up".^[63] is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Vincent Browne is one of Irelands best-known and most controversial print and broadcast journalists. ...

Again on 20 and 21 December 2007, Ahern spent two further days under questioning by the Mahon tribunal about his finances in the 1990s.^[64] In January 2008, it was revealed that Ahern was in discussion with the Revenue Commissioners about his liability for tax on the sums received in Manchester and on his tax clearance status as declared in 2002, before details of the Manchester payments were revealed.^[65][66] Opposition leader Enda Kenny has said that, it is not acceptable to have a Taoiseach who cannot declare compliance with the tax codes.^[67] is the 355th day of the year (356th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Office of the Revenue Commissioners (RC) - now called simply Revenue - is the Irish Government agency responsible for customs, excise, taxation and related matters. ... For the Australian singer of the same name, see Enda Kenny (singer) Enda Kenny (Irish: ; born 24 April 1951), an Irish politician, is the 10th leader of the Fine Gael party and Leader of the Opposition in Dáil Éireann. ...

On 12 February 2008, it emerged^[68] that the Mahon tribunal had not all of the information provided to it, that Ahern indicated in the Dáil, that he had provided to the tribunal. Ahern has taken a High Court action to prevent the Mahon Tribunal from addressing and questioning him on the information, that he released in the Dáil in 2006.^[69]
The total value of lodgements and other transactions that have to date been queried by the Mahon tribunal in its public inquiries into the finances of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, exceeds £452,800. The lodgements and transactions occurred between 1988 and 1997, although the vast bulk of the money was lodged in the period to 1995.^[70]
is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

On 4 June 2008, Ahern admitted that he knew about sterling lodgements before his secretary's testimony,^[71] but said to laughter at his Tribunal appearance on that day that those lodgements were from horse racing betting-winnings.^[72] is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

Tax Clearance Certificate

In mid-January 2008 it emerged in the press,^[73] reportedly as leaks from parties to the Mahon tribunal, that Ahern will not be in a position to present a Tax Clearance Certificate to the Dáil, as is required under Ethics' legislation. This certificate is issued by the Revenue Commissioners, to persons who have shown themselves to be tax compliant. It is a legal requirement that this certificate be presented to a Dáil committee by January 31st by those elected to the Dáil. In the absence of this, however, a certificate stating that Ahern is in negotiation with the Revenue Commissioners will suffice. An inability to declare tax compliance by a prominent individual, while highly embarrassing will suffice temporarily until Revenue either issue a tax compliance certificate or refuse it.
The issue of compliance is serious and is an offence to make a false declaration.

The Standards in Public Office Bill also makes provision for tax clearance requirements for persons elected to the Oireachtas, and others. Persons elected will be required to make a statutory declaration of tax compliance, and the making of a false declaration will be an offence. They will also have to produce a tax clearance certificate. There will, therefore, be considerable policing of tax compliance of members.^[74]

The Standards in Public Office Commission has been asked to investigate the Taoiseach's declaration of tax compliance after the 2002 General Election.^[75]

Ahern's inability to furnish the tax clearance certificate has led to further calls for Ahern's resignation. He is also the only member of the Oireachtas not to have a tax clearance certificate^[76] On 14 January 2008 while on a visit to South Africa, Ahern accused Enda Kenny, leader of the opposition of telling^[77] a "bare-faced lie" about Ahern's tax situation. Ahern and Fianna Fáil's response has not addressed the issue, but has attacked the leaking of Ahern's tax affairs so as to attempt to enable the non-compliance issue to be ignored. Labour party leader "Mr Gilmore joined the offensive over the weekend, saying the Taoiseach was now providing at least four different versions of his personal finances and was unable to get a tax clearance certificate."^[78] is the 14th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Australian singer of the same name, see Enda Kenny (singer) Enda Kenny (Irish: ; born 24 April 1951), an Irish politician, is the 10th leader of the Fine Gael party and Leader of the Opposition in Dáil Éireann. ...

Ahern admitted to the Mahon Tribunal on 21 February 2008, for the first time, that he did not pay tax on substantial payments that he received when Minister for Finance in the 1990s.^[79] The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ... is the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

Pay-rises

On the 25 October 2007, Ahern^[80] was criticised after the Government a reccomendation from the Review Body on Higher Renumeration that senior civil servants and ministers receive pay increaes. ^{[81] [82]} The pay-rise for his position (up €38,000 to €310,000 per annum), would have made it higher paying than that of the U.S. President and made him the highest paid Head of government in the European Union. is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... The head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ...

Criticism from opposition parties concentrated on the timing of the announcement (following highly-publicised budgetary concerns at the Health Service Executive) and the fact that Ahern's increase alone would amount to about four times the basic social welfare payment. On the 12 December 2007, it was announced that the first part of the pay-rises would be deferred by a year, with the remainder paid in 2009 and 2010. is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

Disquiet

Ahern's reputation was damaged by the accusation of cash gifts received that have transmuted to loans from businessmen. His reputation as the Teflon Taoiseach (no allegation of unethical behaviour has stuck to him until September 2006) was damaged. He was criticised in the foreign press as well as in the Irish media.^[83][84] Teflon is a nickname given to persons, particularly in politics, to whom criticism does not seem to stick. ...

To the surprise of many observers however, polls taken during and after the crisis indicated a sharp rise in support for the Ahern government and a corresponding fall in support for the Opposition parties. While 55-64% of the public believed that he was wrong to accept the payments, support for his party rose to 39-42%, while support for the main Opposition parties Fine Gael and the Labour Party fell to 20-26% and 10-11%. Two-thirds believed he should not have resigned. The polls provoked complaint from the media.^[85][86] The Irish Times commented they were a "poor reflection of ourselves". Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party, usually referred to as Fine Gael (IPA: , though often anglicised to ; approximate English translation: Family/Tribe of the Irish, is the second largest political party in the Republic of Ireland with a membership of over 34,000, and is the largest opposition party in... The Labour Party (Irish: Páirtí an Lucht Oibre) is a Democratic Socialist political party in the Republic of Ireland. ... The Irish Times is Irelands newspaper of record, launched in the late 1850s. ...

Ahern stated in an interview in the Village on 22 May 2007 that he intended to retire from politics when he is 60. He stated this would mean standing down as Taoiseach before the end of the current Dáil term, which ends in 2012 at the latest.^[87] Village magazine is an Irish current affairs magazine founded and edited by Vincent Browne. ... is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

In an opinion poll taken in September 2007, subsequent to Ahern's initial two day appearance at the Mahon Tribunal, fewer than one-third of voters now believe Ahern’s accounts of his finances.^[88] The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

Opposition parties had previously been muted in their reaction but in September 2007 Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore called for Ahern to resign in light of his appearance at the Mahon Tribunal and on 23 September 2007, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny was heavily critical of the "rambling, incoherent" answers offered by Ahern to the Mahon tribunal in September 2007. Kenny said there was now a situation whereby a witness before a tribunal, testifying on oath, "is continually changing his story". It "create[s] a credibility problem and that's the issue the Taoiseach has got to deal with".^[89]
On resumption of the Dáil on 26 September a motion of no confidence in Ahern's Government was moved by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, based on Ahern's statements to the Mahon Tribunal. Eamon Gilmore (born 24 April 1955) is the leader of the Irish Labour Party. ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... For the Australian singer of the same name, see Enda Kenny (singer) Enda Kenny (Irish: ; born 24 April 1951), an Irish politician, is the 10th leader of the Fine Gael party and Leader of the Opposition in Dáil Éireann. ... Dáil Éireann[1] is the lower house of the Oireachtas (parliament) of the Republic of Ireland. ... is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Fine Gael – The United Ireland Party, usually referred to as Fine Gael (IPA: , though often anglicised to ; approximate English translation: Family/Tribe of the Irish, is the second largest political party in the Republic of Ireland with a membership of over 34,000, and is the largest opposition party in... For the Australian singer of the same name, see Enda Kenny (singer) Enda Kenny (Irish: ; born 24 April 1951), an Irish politician, is the 10th leader of the Fine Gael party and Leader of the Opposition in Dáil Éireann. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

The Green Party, PDs and Independent TDs who support the Government voted for Ahern in the motion of no confidence. In a stormy^[90] three-hour Dáil debate, Ahern was accused of telling "lies" and was called upon to resign. The no confidence motion was defeated by 81 votes to 76, with all six Green Party TDs, two PDs and four Independents, Finian McGrath, Beverly Flynn, Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae voting with the Government.

In an opinion poll published^[91] in November 2007, some three-quarters of voters indicated that they did not believe that Ahern had given a full disclosure about his personal finances to the Mahon Tribunal. The opinion poll also showed more than half of the electorate believing that the whole episode was now a serious political issue for Ahern. The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ...

A later opinion poll taken on 22 January 2008, on the issue of Mr Ahern's personal finances and tax liabilities, found that "78% of people do not believe he has given the full picture (up 6%) while just 14% believe he has given the full picture (down 3%)."^[92] is the 22nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Minister for the Environment John Gormley said on 22 February 2008, that revelations concerning the Taoiseach at the Mahon Tribunal were distracting from the work of government.^[93] Opposition parties on 22 February 2008 branded the Taoiseach's financial affairs as a "national embarrassment", which should prompt his immediate resignation.^[94] is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

Grainne Carruth's eventual admission that she had lodged sterling sums to Ahern's account at the Drumcondra branch of the Irish Permanent Building Society in the 1990s has sent shock waves through the ranks of Fianna Fáil.^[95]

On 27 March 2008 the unease at Ahern's declarations at the Mahon Tribunal, as contradicted by his former secretary at the tribunal were highlighted when Progressive Democrat coalition partner leader Mary Harney, traditionally a stern supporter of her former FF colleague, called on Ahern to make a statement. is the 86th day of the year (87th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... The Tribunal of Inquiry Into Certain Planning Matters and Payments, commonly known as the Mahon Tribunal in honor of its chairman, and previously as the Flood Tribunal, was established by the Irish Government on November 4, 1997. ... Mary Harney (Irish: ; born 11 March 1953) is an Irish politician and the acting interim leader of the Progressive Democrats[1]. She is a TD for Dublin Mid West and served as Tánaiste from 1997–2006, and as Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment from 1997–2004, and is the...

The disquiet within the coalition was further emphasised when Green party leader John Gormley said that Ahern should clarify the contradiction between his evidence and that of his former secretary Grainne Carruth.^[96][97]

Governments

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Bertie Ahern

The following governments were led by Ahern: Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Wikiquote is one of a family of wiki-based projects run by the Wikimedia Foundation, running on MediaWiki software. ...

• 25th Government of Ireland (June 1997–June 2002)
• 26th Government of Ireland (June 2002–June 2007)
• 27th Government of Ireland (June 2007–May 2008)

The 28th Dáil was elected on 6 June 1997 and first met on 26 June when President Mary Robinson, appointed Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach, on the nomination of the Dáil Éireann. ... On Thursday, June 26, 2002, the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, on the nomination of the 29th Dáil Éireann, appointed Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach. ... The Government of the 30th Dáil will be appointed following the 30th Irish general election. ...

Trivia

• Ahern's difficulties over his acceptance of money from friends, while Minister for Finance has become known^[98] in the press as "Bertiegate".^[99]
• Ahern's presentational style has been described as Bertiespeak.

"It is not correct, and if I said so, I was not correct -- I cannot recall if I said it, but I did not say, or if I did, I did not mean to say it -- that these issues could not be dealt with until the end of the Mahon Tribunal,"^[100]

• In 2004, Joe Higgins described Ahern's response to questions as "like playing handball against a hay stack. You hear a dull thud but the ball never comes back to you".^[101]
• Ahern was described by former Fianna Fáil Taoiseach and mentor Charlie Haughey as the best, the most skilful, the most devious and the most cunning of them all.^[9]
• Sport is one of Ahern's passions. He appeared as a pundit on RTÉ Two's The Premiership programme in 2001.^[102]
• Ahern was one of the main characters portrayed in the spoof radio comic strip Gift Grub.
• Bertie Ahern is a Member of the Comite d'Honneur of the Institute of European Affairs in Dublin.
• The fortnightly magazine The Phoenix featured "De Diary of a Nortsoide Taoiseach", a very mildly satirical column written from Ahern's point of view in a phonetic transliteration of his broad north Dublin accent.^[103]
• Ahern has been satirised in a purported spoof publication Bertie's little book of ethics.^[104]
• Ahern was the first Taoiseach to have had a legal separation from his wife.^[105]
• A publication of the sayings of Ahern, De Little Book of Bertie was published in 2007.^[106]
• Ahern gained the nickname 'the Teflon Taoiseach' in the media prior to the revelations of cash donations in 2006.^[107]

Joe Higgins (born 1 May 1949) was the Socialist Partys sole TD (member of the Irish Dáil Éireann), representing Dublin West. ... Gaelic handball (Irish: Liathróid Láimhe) (also known as handball, Irish handball, court handball or wall handball) is a sport similar to racquetball and squash in that it is one of the four Gaelic Games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association. ... RTÉ Two (Irish: RTÉ a Dó) (known from 1988 to 2004 as Network 2, RTÉ Network Two, RTÉ2 or N2) is Irelands second-oldest television channel, operated by Irish state broadcaster Radio Telefís Éireann. ... Gift Grub is the title of a series of short comic pieces broadcast on weekdays on the breakfast show of Irish commercial radio station Today FM since 1999. ... Logo of the Institute of European Affairs The Institute of European Affairs website is a policy research think-tank and forum based in Dublin (with a branch in Brussels). ... This article describes the Irish magazine: for other uses of the word Phoenix, see Phoenix (disambiguation). ... Teflon is a nickname given to persons, particularly in politics, to whom criticism does not seem to stick. ...

Legacy

Historian Diarmaid Ferriter said: Diarmaid Ferriter is an Irish author, historian, and university professor. ...

• There'll be broad consensus around what Bertie did in Northern Ireland, the social partnership and the unity he brought to his own party

• Also, he made Fianna Fáil the permanent party of government. They used to have all of the power most of the time, but now they have most of the power all of the time. All of that takes skill. But I wonder will people talk about 'Ahernism'? Is there any such thing? What does he actually stand for?

• In some ways Bertie's lack of vision was a positive, it made him flexible and willing to compromise, and he was certainly outstanding in that regard. But I dissent from the universal plaudits going around at the moment. He had no social or economic vision for the state he led. There was no fire in his belly. He didn't really want to change society for the better. He was the ward boss writ large. But at the moment it seems it's unfashionable to say anything adverse about Bertie.^[108]

Historian John A. Murphy states that:

• Did Ahern, in his 11 years of power, make the most of this unprecedented prosperity for the public benefit? The answer can hardly be positive, given the present state of health, education and infrastructure, generally.^[109]

References

April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... The Irish Independent is Irelands best-selling daily newspaper. ... is the 292nd day of the year (293rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article refers to the news department of the British Broadcasting Corporation, for the BBC News Channel see BBC News (TV channel). ... is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Seán Doherty (Irish: ; August 29, 1944 – June 7, 2005), was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. ... Máire Geoghegan-Quinn (born September 5, 1950) is a former Irish politician. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Sunday Independent is a broadsheet Sunday newspaper published in the Republic of Ireland by Independent News and Media plc. ... is the 112th day of the year (113th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... It has been suggested that Irish Times Trust be merged into this article or section. ... is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Sunday Independent is a broadsheet Sunday newspaper published in the Republic of Ireland by Independent News and Media plc. ... is the 126th day of the year (127th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... This article refers to the news department of the British Broadcasting Corporation, for the BBC News Channel see BBC News (TV channel). ... is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Sunday Independent is a broadsheet Sunday newspaper published in the Republic of Ireland by Independent News and Media plc. ... is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Irish Independent is Irelands best-selling daily newspaper. ... is the 333rd day of the year (334th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... For other uses, see The Sunday Times (disambiguation). ... is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Sunday Independent is a broadsheet Sunday newspaper published in the Republic of Ireland by Independent News and Media plc. ... is the 105th day of the year (106th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 113th day of the year (114th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... It has been suggested that Irish Times Trust be merged into this article or section. ... is the 257th day of the year (258th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Irish Independent is Irelands best-selling daily newspaper. ... is the 258th day of the year (259th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Irish Independent is Irelands best-selling daily newspaper. ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... It has been suggested that Irish Times Trust be merged into this article or section. ... is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Irish Independent is Irelands best-selling daily newspaper. ... is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Sunday Business Post is an Irish national Sunday newspaper published by Thomas Crosbie Holdings Limited. ... is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Village magazine is an Irish current affairs magazine founded and edited by Vincent Browne. ... is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Nixon redirects here. ... is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 281st day of the year (282nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 131st day of the year (132nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Bertie Ahern

• Bertie Ahern's official website
• Official Oireachtas Database entry for Ahern
• Make or Break for Europe's Constitution – Bertie Ahern's Project Syndicate
• Bertie Ahern's electoral history (ElectionsIreland.org)
• Video of Ahern's speech to The American Ireland Fund National Gala 2007

Bertie Ahern   Civic offices Preceded by Jim Tunney Lord Mayor of Dublin 1986 – 1987 Succeeded by Carmencita Hederman Oireachtas New title Constituencies created Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála for Dublin Finglas 1977 – 1981 Constituency abolished New title Constituencies created Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála for Dublin Central 1981 – present Incumbent Political offices Preceded by Fergus O'Brien Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach Government Chief Whip 1982 Succeeded by Seán Barrett Minister of State at the Department of Defence 1982 Preceded by Gemma Hussey Minister for Labour 1987 – 1991 Succeeded by Michael O'Kennedy Preceded by Albert Reynolds Minister for Finance 1991 – 1994 Succeeded by Ruairi Quinn Preceded by Pádraig Flynn Minister for Industry and Commerce 1993 Preceded by Dick Spring Tánaiste 1994 Succeeded by Dick Spring Preceded by Michael D. Higgins Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht 1994 Succeeded by Michael D. Higgins Preceded by John Bruton Leader of the Opposition 1994 – 1997 Succeeded by John Bruton Taoiseach 1997 – 2008 Succeeded by Brian Cowen Preceded by Silvio Berlusconi President of the European Council 2004 Succeeded by Jan Peter Balkenende Party political offices Preceded by Albert Reynolds Leader of the Fianna Fáil Party 1994 – 2008 Succeeded by Brian Cowen v • d • e Prime Ministers of Ireland Taoisigh na hÉireann Éamon de Valera • John A. Costello • Seán Lemass • Jack Lynch • Liam Cosgrave • Charles Haughey • Garret FitzGerald • Albert Reynolds • John Bruton • Bertie Ahern • Brian Cowen The Mansion House The Lord Mayor of Dublin is the symbolic head of the city government in the capital of Ireland. ... The Oireachtas is the National Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. ... Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party (Irish: ), commonly referred to as Fianna Fáil (IPA ; traditionally translated by the party into English as Soldiers of Destiny, though the actual meaning is Soldiers [Fianna] of Ireland[1]), is currently the largest political party in Ireland with 55,000 members. ... A Teachta Dála (Irish for Dáil Deputy, pronounced chock-ta dawla) is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower chamber of the Irish Oireachtas or National Parliament. ... Dublin Finglas was a short-lived former parliamentary constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament or Oireachtas. ... Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party (Irish: ), commonly referred to as Fianna Fáil (IPA ; traditionally translated by the party into English as Soldiers of Destiny, though the actual meaning is Soldiers [Fianna] of Ireland[1]), is currently the largest political party in Ireland with 55,000 members. ... A Teachta Dála (Irish for Dáil Deputy, pronounced chock-ta dawla) is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower chamber of the Irish Oireachtas or National Parliament. ... Dublin Central is a constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. ... Fergus OBrien (born March, 1930) was an Irish Fine Gael politician. ... The Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach is essentially the Irish Government Chief Whip and is the most senior Minister of State. ... Seán Barrett (born August 9, 1944), is an Irish politician. ... The Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach is essentially the Irish Government Chief Whip and is the most senior Minister of State. ... Gemma Hussey (born 11th November, 1938), was a senior Irish Fine Gael politician. ... The modern title of Minister for Labour was created by the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1966 as a member of the Irish Government. ... Michael OKennedy, (born February, 1936) was a senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. ... Albert Reynolds (born November 3, 1932), was the eighth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. ... The Minister for Finance is the senior minister at the Department of Finance (An Roinn Airgeadais) in the Irish Government. ... Ruairi Quinn (Irish: Ruairí Ó Cuinn) (born 2 April 1946) is an Irish Labour politician. ... Pádraig Flynn (born May 9, 1939) was a senior Irish politician. ... The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is the senior minister at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (An Roinn Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta) in the Irish Government. ... Richard Spring (born August 29, 1950 in Tralee County Kerry), is a businessman and former senior Irish politician. ... The Tánaiste (IPA: ; plural Tánaistí ), or, more formally, An Tánaiste[1], is the deputy prime minister of the Republic of Ireland. ... Richard Spring (born August 29, 1950 in Tralee County Kerry), is a businessman and former senior Irish politician. ... Michael D. Higgins (April 18, 1941), known in Irish as Micheál D. Ó hUigínn, or informally as Michael D. , is an Irish Labour Party politician. ... The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is the senior minister at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (An Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta) in the Irish Government. ... Michael D. Higgins (April 18, 1941), known in Irish as Micheál D. Ó hUigínn, or informally as Michael D. , is an Irish Labour Party politician. ... John Gerard Bruton (Irish: ; born 18 May 1947) was the ninth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland. ... The Leader of the Opposition (Ir Ceannaire an Fhreasúra) in the Republic of Ireland is the politician who, at least in theory, leads the Parliamentary Opposition bloc in the lower house of the Irish Parliament, Dáil Éireann. ... John Gerard Bruton (Irish: ; born 18 May 1947) was the ninth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland. ... The Taoiseach (IPA: , phonetic: TEE-shock — plural: Taoisigh ( or ), also referred to as An Taoiseach [1], is the head of government or prime minister of the Republic of Ireland . ... Brian Cowen (Irish: Brian Ó Comhain, born 10 January 1960) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. ...   (born 29 September 1936) is an Italian politician, entrepreneur, media proprietor, and Prime Minister of Italy (President of the Council of Ministers of Italy), a position he has held three times; 1994-1995, 2001-2006 and since 2008. ... This article deals with the meeting of European Union leaders. ... Jan Peter Balkenende (pronounced IPA:  ) (born May 7, 1956) has been the Prime Minister of the Netherlands since July 22, 2002. ... Albert Reynolds (born November 3, 1932), was the eighth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. ... Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party (Irish: ), commonly referred to as Fianna Fáil (IPA ; traditionally translated by the party into English as Soldiers of Destiny, though the actual meaning is Soldiers [Fianna] of Ireland[1]), is currently the largest political party in Ireland with 55,000 members. ... Brian Cowen (Irish: Brian Ó Comhain, born 10 January 1960) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. ... The Taoiseach (IPA: , phonetic: TEE-shock — plural: Taoisigh ( or ), also referred to as An Taoiseach [1], is the head of government or prime minister of the Republic of Ireland . ... Éamon de Valera[1][2] (IPA: ) (Irish: ) (born Edward George de Valera 14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. ... For the member of Seanad Éireann from 1963–65, see John Costelloe John Aloysius Costello (20 June 1891 – 5 January 1976), a successful barrister, was one of the main legal advisors to the government of the Irish Free State after independence, Attorney General of Ireland from 1926–1932 and Taoiseach... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... John (Jack) Mary Lynch (15 August 1917—20 October 1999), was the fourth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving two terms in office; 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979. ... Liam Cosgrave (Irish name Liam Mac Cosgair) (born 13 April 1920), served as the fifth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland between 1973 and 1977. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Garret FitzGerald (Irish: ; born February 9, 1926) was the seventh Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving two terms in office; July 1981 to February 1982, and December 1982 to March 1987. ... Albert Reynolds (born November 3, 1932), was the eighth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. ... John Gerard Bruton (Irish: ; born 18 May 1947) was the ninth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland. ... Brian Cowen (Irish: Brian Ó Comhain, born 10 January 1960) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Previous prime ministerial offices under earlier constitutions: President of the Executive Council (1922–1937) W. T. Cosgrave • Éamon de Valera The President of the Executive Council (Irish: Uachtaráin na hArd-Chomhairle) was the head of government or prime minister of the 1922-1937 Irish Free State, and the leader of the Executive Council (cabinet). ... ... Éamon de Valera[1][2] (IPA: ) (Irish: ) (born Edward George de Valera 14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. ... Chairman of the Provisional Government (1922) Michael Collins • W. T. Cosgrave The Chairman of the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland was a transitional post established in January 1922, lasting until the creation of the Irish Free State in December 1922. ... For other persons named Michael Collins, see Michael Collins (disambiguation). ... ... President of the Irish Republic (1921–1922) Éamon de Valera • Arthur Griffith This article is about the president of the 1919-1922 Irish Republic Republic of Ireland see: President of Ireland. ... Éamon de Valera[1][2] (IPA: ) (Irish: ) (born Edward George de Valera 14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Príomh Aire (1919–1921) Cathal Brugha • Éamon de Valera The head of government under the Dáil Constitution adopted by the First Dáil of the Irish Republic in January 1919. ... Cathal Brugha Cathal Brugha (born Charles William St. ... Éamon de Valera[1][2] (IPA: ) (Irish: ) (born Edward George de Valera 14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. ... v • d • e Deputy Prime Ministers of Ireland Tánaistí na hÉireann Seán T. O'Kelly • Seán Lemass • William Norton • Seán MacEntee • Frank Aiken • Erskine H. Childers • Brendan Corish • George Colley • Michael O'Leary • Ray MacSharry • Dick Spring • Peter Barry • Brian Lenihan • John Wilson • Bertie Ahern • Mary Harney • Michael McDowell • Brian Cowen • Mary Coughlan The Tánaiste (IPA: ; plural Tánaistí ), or, more formally, An Tánaiste[1], is the deputy prime minister of the Republic of Ireland. ... Sean Thomas OKelly (Irish name: Seán Tomás Ó Ceallaigh, pronounced ) (August 25, 1882 - November 23, 1966) was the second President of Ireland (1945-1959). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... William Norton (1900-1963), Irish politician, Labour Party leader (1932-1960). ... Seán MacEntee (1889 – 1984) was a senior Irish politician. ... Frank Aiken (February 13, 1898 - May 18, 1983) was a senior Irish politician. ... Erskine Hamilton Childers (Irish: ; 11 December 1905 – 17 November 1974), the son of Robert Erskine Childers (author of The Riddle of the Sands), served as the fourth President of Ireland from 1973 until his death in 1974. ... Brendan Corish ( 1918- 1990), Irish Labour leader ( 1960- 1977). ... George Colley (18 October 1925 - 17 September 1983), was a senior Irish politician. ... Michael OLeary (8 May 1936 – 11 May 2006) was an Irish senior politician and barrister. ... Raymond (Ray) MacSharry (Irish: ; born April 29, 1938) is a former Irish politician. ... Richard Spring (born August 29, 1950 in Tralee County Kerry), is a businessman and former senior Irish politician. ... Peter Barry (Irish: ; born August 10, 1928) is a retired Irish Fine Gael politician and businessman. ... John P. Wilson (born 1923) was a senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. ... Mary Harney (Irish: ; born 11 March 1953) is an Irish politician and the acting interim leader of the Progressive Democrats[1]. She is a TD for Dublin Mid West and served as Tánaiste from 1997–2006, and as Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment from 1997–2004, and is the... For other persons named Michael McDowell, see Michael McDowell (disambiguation). ... Brian Cowen (Irish: Brian Ó Comhain, born 10 January 1960) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Vice-Presidents of the Executive Council Kevin O'Higgins • Ernest Blythe • Seán T. O'Kelly The Vice-President of the Executive Council (Irish: Leas-Uachtarán na hArd-Chomhairle) was the deputy head of government of the 1922-1937 Irish Free State, and the second most senior member of the Executive Council (cabinet). ... Kevin Christopher OHiggins (Irish name Caoimhín Críostóir Ó hUiginn; June 7, 1892 – July 10, 1927). ... Ernest Blythe (Ir: Earnán de Blaghd) (April 13, 1889–February 23, 1975), Irish politician. ... Sean Thomas OKelly (Irish name: Seán Tomás Ó Ceallaigh, pronounced ) (August 25, 1882 - November 23, 1966) was the second President of Ireland (1945-1959). ... v • d • e Leaders of Fianna Fáil Éamon de Valera (1926–1959) • Seán Lemass (1959–1966) • Jack Lynch (1966–1979) • Charles Haughey (1979–1992) • Albert Reynolds (1992–1994) • Bertie Ahern (1994–2008) • Brian Cowen (2008–) Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party (Irish: ), commonly referred to as Fianna Fáil (IPA ; traditionally translated by the party into English as Soldiers of Destiny, though the actual meaning is Soldiers [Fianna] of Ireland[1]), is currently the largest political party in Ireland with 55,000 members. ... Éamon de Valera[1][2] (IPA: ) (Irish: ) (born Edward George de Valera 14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975) was one of the dominant political figures in 20th century Ireland. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... John (Jack) Mary Lynch (15 August 1917—20 October 1999), was the fourth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving two terms in office; 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charles Haughey Charles James Charlie Haughey (Irish: ; 16 September 1925–13 June 2006) was the sixth Taoiseach of Ireland. ... Albert Reynolds (born November 3, 1932), was the eighth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. ... Brian Cowen (Irish: Brian Ó Comhain, born 10 January 1960) is the current Taoiseach of Ireland. ...