I could have had key role in tackling downturn: Ahern

FORMER Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says he wished he stayed in the position because his experience would have enabled him to play a “key role” in combating the downturn.

In an interview to be broadcast on RTÉ tonight, Mr Ahern defends his government’s handling of the banks, and is quizzed about his personal financial dealings and his appearance before the Moriarty Tribunal.

“I do not remember any economist... coming out saying to us ‘you need to have an investigation into any of the capitalisation of the banks’,” he says.