FIANNA FÁIL MEMBERS are “annoyed” with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s comments on immigration, stating that they do not reflect the views of the party. 

Ahern was canvassing on behalf of Dublin Central byelection candidate John Stephens and was covertly filmed during an interaction on a woman’s doorstep when he made the comments.

A video of the interaction was shared on X, and it showed the woman raising concerns about immigration.

During their conversation, Ahern appeared to agree with some of the woman’s comments, saying himself that there were “too many coming in” and voicing particular concerns about arrivals from African countries. He mentioned “the Congo” by name and also commented on Muslim communities and future generations.

A spokesperson for Ahern said he “wasn’t aware he was being recorded until the end of the conversation”.

Ahern subsequently said he has “no problem” with people from “the Congo” or Africa, and that he supports the views of justice minister Jim O’Callaghan on immigration and that the asylum process should be quicker.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said his party “don’t approve” of Ahern’s comments, while Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers described the comments as “totally wrong and inappropriate”. 

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the remarks caused “hurt and harm” and called on Ahern to consider issuing an apology over what he said. 

A number of Fianna Fáil politicians told The Journal that his comments have “annoyed” and “pissed off” the party membership, particularly as the Fianna Fáil ard fheis is due to begin on Friday in Dublin.

Bertie Ahern shaking the hand of Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the FF ard fheis in 2024. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Since Ahern rejoined the party, he has attended the ard fheis each year, to much fanfare from the membership. 

However, there is a question mark over whether he will attend this weekend, given the controversy that surrounds him. 

“I hope he doesn’t show up,” said one Fianna Fáiler, though they noted that he would probably receive the same welcome as other years. 

They commented that the incident shows how much politics has changed with the advance of social media, stating that 15 years ago those comments would not have been captured and wouldn’t have gone viral. 

Some members commented that Ahern has “lost his mojo” and while they welcomed him back to the party, they said it would be best if he could just “stay quiet”.

It was remarked upon that Bertie is “out of the game too long” and perhaps not used to modern campaigning, which includes social media and mobile phones.  

It was also commented on that, despite the condemnation of the remarks, there are some in the constituency that might agree with Ahern, and therefore the comments might benefit the Fianna Fáil vote. 

Every person The Journal spoke to said the comments are not reflective of the party or the views of members.

One politician said it’s impossible to keep everyone on a campaign on message, but that said, a former Taoiseach should certainly know how to stay on the party message.

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