Bertie should apply standards he set for others

IN 2001 Taoiseach Bertie Ahern won a libel action in relation to false allegations levelled against him by a businessman.

At the time, Mr Ahern said, rightly, that the allegations were “false and malicious” and that “no one has the right to spread direct lies about a politician or any other person”.

He also said it was difficult to face such allegations since you are “painted into a corner, unable to defend yourself”.

What a shame then that he didn’t apply these same standards last week before he made false and malicious allegations against the former chief executive of Aer Lingus, Willie Walsh, when, in breach of Dáil privilege, he accused Mr Walsh of trying to “steal” the company’s assets.

Mr Ahern had recourse to the courts to clear his good name, whereas Willie Walsh now has no defence against the Taoiseach’s charge.

It seems that, as with many other things, there is one rule for the Taoiseach and another rule for everybody else.

Barry Walsh

Brookfield Hall

Castletroy

Limerick