Bertie unfit for new top job here or in EU

WHAT does it say for the state of our democracy when a Taoiseach can be interviewed on the national broadcaster — as Bertie Ahern was recently — and say that the leaking of his correspondence with the Revenue was “a new low in Irish life”, while at the same time seeing nothing wrong with accepting the equivalent of up to €300,000 from private individuals.

Mr Ahern’s new year media adventures featured many hints about his plans after he leaves office, including a possible run for the presidency or a top post in Brussels.

The very notion that a man who cannot even prove his tax compliance is fit to be president is grossly offensive to that office.