Political mud sticks to Ahern’s armour
His invisible shield has deflected even the sharpest criticisms and most dramatic allegations. But, for the first time, his armour has been pierced by the latest barrage of ammunition.
The current spate of controversies are quite unlike anything Ahern has ever faced. Yes, the O’Flaherty controversy, which centred on the appointment of a disgraced Supreme Court judge to a top Brussels post, sparked uproar and saw his approval ratings plummet. But that was an isolated incident in the middle of a glorious economic boom.
