Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern is facing intense criticism after a video emerged showing him making controversial remarks about immigration during a byelection canvass in Dublin Central. In the recording, which was made without his knowledge, Ahern is heard telling a woman that he believed too many migrants were entering the country, specifically stating, “the ones I worry about are the Africans.”
Controversial Comments and Response
During the exchange, Ahern told the woman, “we can’t be taking in people from the Congo and all these places. I think there’s too many from those places.” He also expressed concern regarding second-generation Muslims born in Ireland, noting that he had communicated these views to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.
Speaking to The Irish Times on Wednesday, Ahern insisted he has “no problem” with people from Africa or the Congo, citing friendships with African clergy in Drumcondra. He described himself as being “in the heat of a fire” during the conversation, claiming he was actually defending Ukrainians at the time.
Ahern clarified that his primary grievance is not with individuals, but with the immigration system. He argued that the process should be handled as quickly as possible, noting that the difficulty arises when people “arrive here from nowhere without papers.”
Political Fallout in the Dáil
Taoiseach Micheál Martin moved quickly to distance Fianna Fáil from the remarks, describing them as “not appropriate.” Martin emphasized that Ireland has many citizens of different ethnic backgrounds and that this “has to be respected.”
The issue sparked a heated confrontation in the Dáil, where People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy accused Ahern of “disgusting racism.” Murphy alleged that the comments revealed a “blatant agenda” to scapegoat immigrants and divide the public to divert attention from the housing crisis and the profits of landlords and developers.
In response, the Taoiseach rejected Murphy’s accusations as “unacceptable,” arguing that Murphy frequently mischaracterizes and exaggerates the positions of other politicians.
Impact on the Dublin Central Byelection
The video was recorded while Ahern was canvassing for Fianna Fáil candidate John Stephens. With nine days remaining in the contest, Ahern suggested the race is likely a “battle between Sinn Féin and the SocDems [Social Democrats].”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticized the discrepancy between Fianna Fáil’s public positions and these private comments, calling the approach “really unhelpful.” She stated it is “wrong to identify or to zero in on any one group of people in that way.”
Sinn Féin candidate Janice Boylan also described the off-the-cuff remarks as “disappointing form,” particularly given Ahern’s former high-ranking position. She called for an immigration system that is “working properly, effective, equality-based and enforced.”
Future Implications
The controversy could potentially influence voter sentiment in the final days of the Dublin Central byelection. While Ahern believes the main objective for John Stephens is to strengthen the party’s position for the next general election, the accusations of racism may provide further ammunition for opposition candidates.
the government may face increased pressure to address the speed of the immigration processing system, a point Ahern himself highlighted as the core of the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific comments did Bertie Ahern make in the video?
Ahern stated that “the ones I worry about are the Africans” and said, “we can’t be taking in people from the Congo and all these places,” adding that there are too many from those locations.
How did the Taoiseach respond to the controversy?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that the comments were “not appropriate” and asserted that the different ethnicities of Irish citizens must be respected.
What was Paul Murphy’s interpretation of the remarks?
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy called the comments “disgusting racism” and claimed they were part of a strategy to scapegoat immigrants so that the public would not blame Fianna Fáil and developers for the housing crisis.
Do you believe public figures should be held to a different standard for comments made in private during political canvassing?
