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.