A poll by TNS mrbi published in today’s Irish Times shows that 78% of the Irish public doubt that Bertie Ahern has given a full honest explanation in relation to his questionable acceptance of cash from business interests. Personally, I find Mr. Ahern’s account grotesque, unbelievable and bizarre but unfortunately not unprecedented. Let’s face it, we’ve seen this all before with another Fianna Fail leader. As it stands now, Mr. Ahern has the support of less than half of those polled to continue in his role as Taoiseach and leader of the government with only 46% expressing an opinion that Mr Ahern should not resign.
Contrast Mr. Ahern’s undignified stance in the face of evidence of serious financial irregularities with that of former Northern Secetary Peter Hain who yesterday resigned in order to allow his government to continue functioning while he attempts to clear his name. Rather than step aside and allow a leader who enjoys the confidence of a large majority of the public to lead the country through this difficult time, Mr. Ahern has done everything he can to obfuscate, mislead and stall, including dragging his family arrangements into the public domain in a despicable attempt to emotionally blackmail the public and those pursuing the truth. In the meantime governing in Ireland has ground to a halt at one of the most difficult times for the country in recent history. Mr. Ahern, it’s time to go!
