Walkabout wake-up call for Bertie

LAST October we learned all about Anorak Power.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was facing the biggest personal crisis of his career over payments he received in 1994. He went on RTÉ’s Six One News and spoke directly to the people in their living rooms. He raised more questions than he answered in that famous interview, but the opinion polls didn’t lie and support levels for Fianna Fáil (FF) skyrocketed.

The media feeding frenzy this week over Bertiegate the Sequel was fully expected, especially after he tried on Monday to ‘clarify’ the refurbishment payment to Celia Larkin. What was not expected was that the people didn’t back him to the hilt this time.

The Taoiseach went on walkabout in his own constituency yesterday. A swarm of reporters followed him from the GPO down Henry Street and up into the hallowed FF turf of Moore Street. This should have been a home run for him, but Mr Ahern did not have it all his own way.

Sure, there were supporters out there keen to touch the hem of the Anorak. But, periodically, we heard Scud missiles fired from passers-by on the street.

It started in O’Connell Street, where he was asked: “Where’s the 80 grand?”

In the GPO, another smart alec quipped: “Are you opening a special savings account, Bertie?”

In Henry Street, there were unprintable insults, and references to Eddie Hobbs and the tribunal. Near a Moore Street fishmonger’s stall, he was asked: “Something fishy, Bertie?”

In the later mass interview, after he was asked a very personal question about payments, he refused to answer. And for six agonising seconds there was the awful sound of silence before his press officer asked for the next question.

“I will attend the tribunal and I will answer all those questions” was his reply to the more general question.

Labour leader, Pat Rabbitte, yesterday called for him to make a statement.

FG leader, Enda Kenny, said there was no issue concerning his own finances.

“The kinds of questions that are being asked there are irrelevant in my case.”