Ahern: No return to power in 2016 for Fianna Fáil

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern believes Fianna Fáil will fail to re-enter government regardless of what happens in the upcoming general election, placing pressure on current leader Micheál Martin.

The controversial figure outlined his view in a wide-ranging interview with UTV Ireland in which he also said he will attend the cross-party banking inquiry “if I’m asked”.

Mr Ahern — whose period in office during the Celtic Tiger years has been badly tarnished by the subsequent financial crisis and the Mahon tribunal findings — said he believes Fianna Fáil will “eventually” return to power. However, mirroring Christmas comments from ex-education minister Mary Hanafin — who caused consternation within Fianna Fáil when she ran in May’s local elections, against Mr Martin’s wishes — he appeared to reject suggestions the party could form a coalition after the next election.