Fianna Fáil fear fallout from ‘arrogant’ Bertie Ahern evidence

Fianna Fáil figures fear that an “arrogant and unbelievable” Bertie Ahern could do the party real damage with his evidence to the Oireachtas probe into the financial collapse this week.

After the party leadership was relieved that a two-day appearance by former taoiseach Brian Cowen before the committee last week went relatively smoothly, Mr Ahern’s performance this Thursday is proving a cause for anxiety.

One senior figure said Mr Ahern was unpredictable and could inflict further damage on the party’s image with a general election just months away.