To err is human, to forgive... is Bertie’s seat strategy

SLACKING in the Dáil, accepting free perks, breaking the law — even that most cardinal of sins, criticising Fianna Fáil — none seem too bad to prevent career progress in the eyes of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

In announcing his Senate appointments yesterday, Mr Ahern kept with previous form and chose to resurrect the political career of a man whose life in public office was considered all but over.

Ivor Callely resigned his junior ministry in disgrace in December 2005 when it emerged that a construction firm had paid for painting work on his house in the early 1990s.