Ahern clocks up €270k expenses since retirement

FORMER taoiseach Bertie Ahern has claimed €270,000 in expenses from the state since stepping down in 2008.

Mr Ahern, recently accused by a top academic of handling the economy like an “intoxicated joyrider” before it collapsed, gets two secretarial assistants, free mobile phone use and VIP services in airports.

He also gets the use of a state car for any official engagements.