Ahern goes to ground on 1st day of campaign

[The Analyser]

The media were highly critical of two very odd actions by the Taoiseach today.

i. After his press launch he refused to take any questions, even though leaders invariably talk to the media and take questions after such events. The media thought it decidedly odd.

ii. His chief press aides turned off their mobiles, refused to take calls and refused to respond to calls. In the context of an election campaign that is unprecedented, particularly for an opening day.

All the media and the other parties were talking about this. The Evening Herald, according to claims, spent the entire afternoon trying to get through to Ahern. The suspicion is that it related to the Mail story this morning about money given to Ahern. Either that or it concerns the tribunals this week.

Either which way, Ahern's behaviour, and that of his aides, was unprecedented.

[Predictor]

Agreed. The man who prides himself on his stamina during election campaigns has gone to ground.

I've been looking forward to this campaign for some time as Enda Kenny is different to Dukes, Bruton and Noonan in that he thrives on campaigning and that is what will make this election so interesting. Journalists will wear out many shoes in keeping up with the pace of the campaign but not if Bertie Ahern is locked away afraid to take part in the race.

It kind of reminds me of Royston Brady during the Euro elections in 2004. He had the audacity to apply for the job but refused to do the interview. Will Bertie's fate be similiar to Royston's?

[The Analyser]

I see The Week in Politics has focused on Bertie's refusal to answer questions and his failure to appear in public this afternoon.

[FG Councillor]

Very strange, very very strange.

[The Analyser]

The media are making an issue of his silence in tomorrow's papers. The Irish Mail is leading with it.

[The Trinity Politick]

The media are making an issue of his silence in tomorrow's papers. The Irish Mail is leading with it.

The Times has the story too i believe

[Deep Throat]

stunned that he jumped into his car at aras without answering questions

[The Trinity Politick]

stunned that he jumped into his car at aras without answering questions

Any revelations Deepthroat?

[The Analyser]

I think we will see quite a few revelations in the next couple of days. And none of them will help Bertie win the election.

[The Trinity Politick]

I think we will see quite a few revelations in the next couple of days. And none of them will help Bertie win the election.

A very guarded answer from The Analyser