Celia no-show prompts speculation

SPECULATION about the relationship of the Taoiseach and his partner Celia Larkin intensified yesterday after Ms Larkin was absent from a lunch for the visiting German president.

The Taoiseach and Ms Larkin were officially listed as the hosts for the lunch at the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters, but Ms Larkin was not in attendance and her name was not included on the guest list.

Recently, Ms Larkin’s absence from Mr Ahern’s side at official and social functions has led to rumours the couple had split. Rumours this time last year were scotched when she went to the Galway Races festival with him.

Yesterday a spokesperson for the Taoiseach declined to comment on Ms Larkin’s absence from the lunch. Normally, the Taoiseach and his officials say they don’t comment on Mr Ahern’s personal life.

In the past month, Ms Larkin was not in attendance with Mr Ahern at Special Olympics events and a dinner in honour of the king of Malaysia.

Official invitations for yesterday’s lunch were issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs weeks ago and stated: “The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern TD and Ms Celia Larkin request the pleasure of the company of guests at a luncheon in honour of His Excellency Dr Johannes Rau, President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mrs Christina Rau.”

But the lunch menu at Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, read: “Government lunch hosted by An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern TD, in honour of HE Dr Johannes Rau President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mrs Christina Rau.”

Mr and Mrs Rau were accompanied by their daughter Anna, 20, and a delegation of around 40 officials. The lunch was also attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen, Seanad leader Mary O’Rourke and Junior Housing Minister Noel Ahern, the Taoiseach’s brother.

Welcoming President Rau, the Taoiseach said it was an enormous honour for the Government to continue building an excellent relationship between the two countries.