Ahern programme viewed by 601,000

THE much-anticipated RTÉ documentary on Bertie Ahern attracted a total of 601,000 viewers when it was aired on Monday night — 37% of the total audience share.

The programme was the first in a four-part series from the production company behind Haughey (2005) and Fine Gael: A Family at War (2004).

The first part of the Haughey series attracted 545,000, a 37.2% share of the then audience.

Monday’s main evening news drew 524,000, 32% of the audience share.

Commissioning editor for RTÉ Factual, Kevin Dawson, said the high figures reflected Irish audiences’ fascination with the inner workings of Irish politics.

“The high viewing figures for last night’s first episode of the Bertie series reflect the public’s fascination with an intriguing, approachable but elusive politician.

“The Irish appetite for political narrative remains huge and we are confident this high-quality series will continue to attract a large audience and generate discussion and debate,” he said.

The first episode covered Mr Ahern’s childhood through to the 1989 election. His family and friends offered insights into what makes him tick.

It tracked his rise through the Fianna Fáil ranks after his election to the Dáil in 1977, through to how the infamous Drumcondra Mafia helped force his way to the top.

The programme also looked into Mr Ahern’s personal life. Speaking of their marriage breakdown in 1987, Miriam Ahern described it as a “very difficult time” and told of how her husband withdrew from family life.

The second episode will follow Mr Ahern’s career after the sudden resignation of Charlie Haughey in 1992 and Mr Ahern’s controversial role as treasurer of Fianna Fáil.