Attempt made to set fire to Ahern's car

An attempt was made to set fire to former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s state car tonight.

It is understood newspapers were set alight under the black Mercedes shortly after 8pm while it was parked at the front of St Stephen’s Green shopping centre in central Dublin.

Mr Ahern was in Hughes & Hughes for the launch of author Deirdre Purcell’s new book.

His garda driver was with him at the time.

Dublin Fire Brigade was called to the scene but it is understood the damage to the car was minimal.

A fire brigade spokesman said: “The fire was out when they (firefighters) got there. It was only a slight flame at the side of it.”

A Fianna Fáil spokeswoman said Mr Ahern was later driven from the scene in the car.

A garda spokesman said: “It is a garda car so we will be investigating the incident.”

Gardaí will examine CCTV footage from the area.

All former taoisigh are entitled to a state car and garda driver.