Bertie: I wish I controlled banks more

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has advised Poland to keep tight control over financial institutions.

In an interview with a daily newspaper there, Mr Ahern says he wishes he had known the importance of keeping a closer eye on such bodies.

If he had known before 2008, Ireland would not have suffered, and he can "blame" only himself.

Mr Ahern believes his mistake was to put too much trust into what the financial people were doing.

He also hinted at a future bid for the Irish presidency.