In pictures: What are Bertie and Brian doing in the Áras?

The boys/former taoisigh are back in town for a ‘thank you’ reception by President McAleese for her Council of State.

FORMER TAOISIGH BERTIE Ahern and Brian Cowen made a surprise visit to Áras an Uachtaráin today for a ‘thank you’ reception President Mary McAleese held for former members of her Council of State.

Well, it was a surprise for us because we briefly forgot that Ahern and Cowen are both automatically members of the Council of State because they are former taoisigh. All former taoisigh, presidents and chief justices get to sit on the council if they are “able and willing to act”. There is no salary or stipend for sitting on the Council of State, which is an advisory body to the President of Ireland.

Former president Mary Robinson was also at the Áras today for that reason:

In pictures: What are Bertie and Brian doing in the Áras?

Previous 1 / 8Next

Áras reception
Bertie Ahern with former SDLP leader John Hume stand beside a bust of former President and Taoiseach Eamon De Valera at Aras an Uachtarain.
Áras reception
Bertie Ahern and John Hume
Áras reception
Bertie Ahern and John Hume
Áras reception
Former taoiseach Brian Cowen with President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin today.
Áras reception
Senator Martin McAleese, Brian Cowen and President McAleese
Áras reception
Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds with former minster Liz O'Donnell.
Áras reception
Former president Mary Robinson with President Mary McAleese.
Áras reception
Former minister Mary O'Rourke at Áras an Uachtaráin.

All images by Photocall Ireland

In pictures: Michael D’s sneak preview of his new home>

bertie n brian

Author

Susan Daly

View 56 comments

Send Tip or Correction

56 Comments

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other