Tough times are coming, says Ahern

TOUGH economic decisions will be made by the Government in the coming months as it prepares the forthcoming budget, the Taoiseach warned yesterday.

Returning to work after his summer break, Bertie Ahern also appeared philosophical about the negative publicity he received in the past month over his daughter Georgina's controversial wedding to Westlife pop star Nicky Byrne and his relationship with Celia Larkin.

But Mr Ahern said that the comments on his private life in recent times didn't bother him and accepted that ups and downs came with the job.