Pressure not to affect Taoiseach’s African visit

EMBATTLED Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last night insisted growing political pressure on him at home would not be allowed to overshadow a five-day visit to Africa beginning today.

On a day when Labour leader Eamon Gilmore reiterated his call for the Taoiseach’s resignation, a spokesman for Mr Ahern last night insisted the Taoiseach would do his best not to be drawn into Irish affairs while abroad. He said the Taoiseach’s focus would be on improving business and anti-poverty links.

Yesterday, Mr Gilmore predicted the Taoiseach would be “shafted” by his Fianna Fáil colleagues just like previous party leaders.