Defiant Ahern will not contest election

FORMER Taoiseach Bertie Ahern took a defiant swipe at his critics last night as he announced he would not contest the next general election.

Mr Ahern, who will earn a pension of circa €150,000 a year upon his retirement, insisted that when the shock of the recession had worn off, his record would be viewed in a better light.

He said while he wished there was no economic crisis, he was proud of what he achieved in politics.