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”.