Bertie Ahern Stands by Immigration Views, Regrets Singling Out Groups

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has defended his views on immigration, expressed in a social media video, but admitted he was wrong to single out specific groups. Speaking on the Indo Daily podcast, Ahern acknowledged his comments were «not careful or polished» but stated it was a «sad day» if discussing important issues led to public condemnation.

Ahern had referenced people from «the Congo» and «the next generation of Muslims» during a canvassing conversation with Fianna Fáil Dublin Central bye-election candidate John Stephens. He insisted his comments were never intended to target or demean any group and regretted highlighting Africans, saying, «My comments were never intended to target or demean any group of people, and in particular I should not have singled out any one nationality or group of people. That was wrong.»

He stopped short of a full apology, as requested by Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik and Fianna Fáil Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, stating, «I don't think there is anything wrong talking about what the people are talking about.» Ahern also expressed disappointment with Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, Chair of the Irish Islamic Centre, for going to RTÉ instead of contacting him directly. He explained his reference to «the Congo» was due to war potentially triggering asylum seekers, and his concern about «the next generation of Muslims» stemmed from observing radicalization among second-generation immigrants in France and the UK. Ahern plans to attend Fianna Fáil's Ard Fheis this weekend and continue canvassing with John Stephens.