Bertie Ahern Regrets Offending with Immigration Comments, Defends Stance
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern regretted offending with immigration comments but defended addressing «real issues.» He admitted singling out nationalities was wrong but rejected racism, citing his support for Muslim communities. His remarks, including concerns about future generations and radicalization, drew widespread criticism from political figures.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern expressed regret «if anyone was offended» by his immigration comments but maintained they address «real issues.» Speaking on the Indo Daily podcast, Ahern admitted he «should not have singled out any one nationality or group of people» during a covertly filmed interaction while canvassing for Dublin Central byelection candidate John Stephens.
The video, shared on X, showed Ahern appearing to agree with a woman's concerns about immigration, stating there were «too many coming in» and specifically mentioning arrivals from African countries like «the Congo,» as well as Muslim communities. He clarified he was not referring to current residents but future generations, citing concerns about «second generation radicalisation» in the UK and France.
Ahern rejected accusations of racism, asserting he is «very respectful of the Muslim people» and «rejects racism in all its forms.» He expressed disappointment in Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, chair of the Irish Muslim Council, who called his comments «deeply disturbing,» stating Dr. Al-Qadri knows his history of support for Muslims. Ahern's remarks drew widespread criticism, including from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister Jack Chambers, and Tánaiste Simon Harris.