Should the power to pick an election date have been in his hands, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern would have favoured mid-June. Sharing this viewpoint on his arrival amidst enthusiastic well-wishers at the Fianna Fáil ardfheis, Ahern held the belief that the government would serve its full term. “Were it upto me,” he told the press, “I’d opt for mid-June, due to its pleasant warmth and extended daylight hours lasting till 10.30 at night. However, this scenario seems unlikely.”
Under the current rules, the last permissible date for calling elections is March 9th of the following year. Gearing up for a late February election choice, Ahern quipped to the journalists to prepare their gloves.
The former taoiseach holds optimistic views towards the tenure of incumbent Taoiseach Simon Harris. In response to the question of Harris, at 37 years, being relatively young for the post, Ahern harks back to his own beginnings in the role at 44. “A youthful age indeed. However, these days, they’re only getting younger,” he opined.
In Ahern’s view, Harris already has much experience under his belt. Having previously held positions including the chairmanship of Wicklow Council and health ministry tenure of four years, he is currently involved in tertiary education and has served in finance. At 37 years old, Harris has garnered considerable working years’ worth experience. Ahern extended his best wishes saying “The country’s success is crucially hinged on his doing well. I therefore extend my utmost wishes.”
Prior to his appointment as Taoiseach, Harris took on the roles of minister for further and higher education, and minister for health prior to his tenure as minister of state for finance.
As advice for the new Taoiseach, Ahern shares, “Concentrate on a select few issues and do your best with them. Focussing on too many matters will spread your attention too thin. It’s a tough job with constant unpredictability. As a Taoiseach, one’s day never pans out as initially planned.”
Several former colleagues of Mr. Ahern, including the ex-education ministers, Noel Dempsey and Mary Hanafin, were present at the ardfheis. Although presently serving as a Dublin City Councillor, Ms Hanafin has decided not to contest in the upcoming re-election. Other notable attendees at the ardfheis included the former defence minister Frank Fahey and ex-minister of state Tony Killeen.
Mr Ahern, after spending the day canvassing with local election candidate John Stevens, didn’t pinpoint a specific goal for the potential councillor seats Fianna Fáil could secure in the June 7th election. He acknowledged his unfamiliarity with the current seat distribution, reminiscing a time when he was more updated.
All Mr Ahern knows for now is that it’s Saturday, he jovially mentioned. He greatly appreciated everyone’s commitment and dedication as they endeavour to address difficulties, expressing encouragement over the positive reception. With a good six-week grind to go, the road is still long.
Mr Ahern repeated his indecision about contesting in the presidency, an election scheduled for the autumn of 2025. He is yet to confirm his participation in the race.