Ahern denies role in axing Crown from show

THE Taoiseach yesterday strenuously denied any political interference in the decision that led to the last-minute axing of a prominent health specialist from the Late Late Show.

Bertie Ahern insisted he had no knowledge of political pressure being applied on RTÉ to have Professor John Crown — a long time critic of the Government’s health policy — removed from the debate on the health service on Friday.

During his 30 years in politics, the Taoiseach said he has never had the ability to direct anything in RTÉ, adding that if he or anybody associated with him made such a call, a guest would probably get double the length of time on air.