Joy for Bertie as Georgina to have baby

FROM Teflon Taoiseach to doting grandad.

Mon, 06 Nov, 2006 - 00:00

Eoin English

Bertie Ahern, who’s kissed more than his fair share of babies on the campaign trail, might be able to get a little hands-on practice in ahead of next year’s election after his eldest daughter, Georgina, confirmed she and her husband, Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, are expecting their first child next summer.

A public relations firm issued a one-line statement on behalf of the couple yesterday morning stating: “Nicky and Georgina Byrne are delighted to announce that they are expecting their first child next summer.”

A spokesperson declined to give an exact due date but said the couple are “over the moon”.

Mr Ahern, who confronted the worst personal crisis of his nine years as Taoiseach last month, spoke of his joy at the good news yesterday.

“I thought they were going to make the announcement tomorrow. But I’m very happy for them,” he said.

And referring to Westlife’s new deal with their record label, Sony/BMG, reported to be worth up to e6 million, Mr Ahern said: “He’ll [Nicky] need the money in the future to look after his children.”

Georgina, 27, will continue to work as a fitness instructor at the new Jurys Hotel at Croke Park.

And while Nicky and the band have a number of sell-out concerts next March and April as part of their Love Album Tour, the spokesperson said he will ensure he has ample time in his diary next summer. The band’s schedule is clear from May to July.

Paddy Power were offering bets last night on the baby’s name.

Nicky, after Nicky’s father, and Kelly, which is Georgina’s mother’s maiden name, were the hot favourites at 10/1.

Bertie is further down the list at 33/1 while Celia and Enda are rank outsiders at 250/1.

Georgina married her childhood sweetheart, Nicky, on August 5, 2003, at Wicklow Registry Office.

The civil ceremony was followed in September by a church blessing at the church of St Pierre et St Paul in Gallardon, Eure-et-Loir, France, and a lavish reception at the nearby 16th century Château d’Esclimont.