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Ahern has served as Taoiseach, Fianna Fáil leader and most recently, the subject of a CMAT song Eamonn Farrell

Do you think Bertie Ahern is charismatic?

A poll shows a majority of Fianna Fáil TDs would support the former Taoiseach as the party’s presidential candidate.

WHILE FIANNA FÁIL has yet to settle on a candidate (or even a plan) for this year’s presidential election, a poll conducted by Virgin Media News found that 64% of the party’s TDs would support former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern entering the Áras race.

Ahern, also the former leader of Fianna Fáil, resigned from both roles in 2008 following controversy surrounding the Irish economic crash. He is recognised both for overseeing an era of economic growth, as well as the financial controversies and findings of the Mahon Tribunal associated with his time in office.

However, the poll results suggest strong support for his potential candidacy, with Niall Collins TD saying that “it is well known that he is a popular person”.

Almost two decades after leaving the country’s highest office, Bertie continues to be a presence in Irish politics – but is this because of a je ne sais quoi in his personality or simply his skill at staying in the public eye?

So, today we wanted to ask: Do you think Bertie Ahern is charismatic?


Poll Results:

No (8675)
Yes (3858)
Sure, sometimes (1553)
Unsure (269)

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