Bertie Ahern resigns as Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) and leader of Fianna Fáil
Posted by Carlenny on April 2, 2008
Bertie Aherns Resignation Speech
Bertie Ahern today announced his intention to resign as Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil on Tuesday May 6th following the State visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to Ireland.
The announcement unexpectedly this morning even though Ahern was under mounting pressure to step down following recent revelations in the Mahon Tribunal regarding corrupt payments he received.
During the announcement he strongly rejected any claims that he has done wrong.
He was also heavily criticised last year when it was announced that he, and his cabinet ministers would be receiving a pay rise, that would make Ahern the highest paid leader in the world, earning more than George W. Bush.
Bertie Ahern has been leader of Fianna Fáil since 1994 and Taoiseach since 1997. He lead Ireland through the Celtic Tiger and era of unprecedented growth in the Irish economy. He has also been praised for his role in the peace process in Northern Ireland.
He was a popular leader and the fact that he won 3 consecutive general elections in testimony to this. He will be most regarded in Drumcondra, his North Dublin constituency where he has served the people for the past 3 decades.
Tributes to Bertie Ahern:
