Taoiseach open to welcoming Bertie Ahern back to Fianna Fáil

Mr Ahern resigned from the party in 2012 on foot of a motion from Micheál Martin that he be expelled

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that he had frequent informal contacts with Bertie Ahern about the North, but stressed that he is not an official advisor.

The Taoiseach says he is open to the return of his predecessor Bertie Ahern to the Fianna Fáil party.

Speaking at the opening of a Penneys store in Tallaght on Thursday, Micheál Martin said that he had frequent informal contacts with Mr Ahern about the North, but stressed that he is not an official adviser.