No ‘extra security’ for Ahern

REPORTS of heightened security around the Taoiseach following specific threats to his safety were being downplayed last night.

Sources close to Bertie Ahern insisted levels of protection had not been increased at his traditional summer holiday spot near Sneem, Co Kerry.

Mr Ahern had been reported by a Sunday newspaper to have been worried about his safety and advised by bodyguards not to go for walks alone.

“Sometimes I’d be concerned that when I am out for a walk a lulu would jump out from the bushes and grab you.

“You never know what kind of characters are out there. But then again you can’t live your life like that. I’ll leave it to my security people to handle it,” he was quoted as telling the newspaper.

A number of hostile letters regarding the Taoiseach had been received at his office earlier in the year, according to sources, but no extra security measures had been brought in as a result, the Irish Examiner was told.

Mr Ahern is unwinding at Parknasilla Hotel with his daughters, their respective partners and the Taoiseach’s grandchildren.

However, his downtime will come to an abrupt end next month when he is due to give evidence at the Mahon Tribunal.