Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has faced significant criticism following the circulation of a social media video in which he expressed concerns regarding immigration levels in Ireland. Mr. Ahern later clarified that he has “no problem with people who come here through the visa and asylum systems.”
Controversial Remarks and Context
In the recorded conversation, Mr. Ahern is heard stating that Ireland “can’t be taking in people” from “the Congo,” while also expressing concerns about the next generation of Muslims in the country. However, he noted that Ireland should remain accepting of people arriving from Ukraine following the war there.
The footage was captured without Mr. Ahern’s knowledge while he was canvassing in the Dublin Central constituency alongside Fianna Fáil bye-election candidate John Stephens. Mr. Ahern told RTÉ News that the video was recorded “around nine or ten days ago” and represented only a portion of a longer conversation.
Official and Party Response
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has distanced Fianna Fáil and their Dublin Central candidate from the remarks, stating that the views expressed by Mr. Ahern do not represent the party. Mr. Martin described the comments as “not appropriate,” adding that it is not “correct or proper” to be specific about any given ethnicity.
Addressing the Dáil in response to People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, the Taoiseach emphasized that any commentary undermining a particular ethnicity is not approved of by his perspective or his party. He noted that Mr. Ahern has since resiled from the comments.
Mr. Martin also defended Ireland’s “fair and robust” asylum system, highlighting reforms introduced by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to create an “efficient and accelerated process.” He pointed out that many migrants coming through work permits or the European Union are a “very, very valuable part” of the healthcare and caring systems.
Political Fallout in Dublin Central
The comments have sparked a range of reactions from candidates in the Dublin Central bye-election. Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin of People Before Profit condemned the remarks as “vile and odious,” while Labour’s Ruth O’Dea called them a “shameful example” of “punching down on migrants.”
Green Party candidate Janet Horner described the comments as “harmful,” “hurtful,” and “ill-informed.” Conversely, Independent candidate Malachy Steenson stated he is in full agreement with Mr. Ahern, suggesting the “political class” needs to wake up to the issue of illegal immigration.
TD Paul Murphy further characterized the remarks as “disgusting racism,” alleging that such comments are used to “scapegoat immigrants” to divert attention from the housing crisis and the profits of landlords, and developers.
Potential Implications
The emergence of this video could potentially shift the narrative of the Dublin Central bye-election, as candidates from across the political spectrum use the incident to define their stances on migration. Further scrutiny of campaign activities may occur as the election approaches.
the government may feel pressured to further emphasize the efficiency of the asylum process to counter claims of systemic failure or “illegal immigration” raised by some political figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific groups did Bertie Ahern mention in the video?
Mr. Ahern expressed concerns about people coming from “the Congo” and the next generation of Muslims in Ireland, while stating that people from Ukraine should be accepted due to the war.
How did Bertie Ahern defend his comments?
He stated the video was recorded without his knowledge, was part of a longer conversation, and clarified that he supports Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan’s immigration policies and has no problem with those using official visa and asylum systems.
What was the Taoiseach’s stance on the remarks?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated the comments were “not appropriate” and “not correct or proper,” asserting that they do not represent the views of Fianna Fáil or their candidate in Dublin Central.
Do you believe the comments of former political leaders should impact current election campaigns?
