Have Senior FF Ministers Done A Deal With Ahern?

[the-analyst2007]

Have Senior FF Ministers Done A Deal With Ahern?

According to today's Irish Independent senior ministers have advised Bertie Ahern not to give any explanation to the Dail on questions over his evidence to the Mahon Tribunal about his finances.

Further we have Minister Micheál Martin stating that, while he had full confidence in Bertie Ahern's leadership and praised him for his role in the peace process, in economic development and in social partnership, he believes the Taoiseach should use the forum of the tribunal and not speak outside of that forum.

Have these senior Ministers done a deal with Ahern: dont make a further statement, go to Washington, come home and retire?

What will Ahern say in the Dail on Wednesday?

As an aside; what does Harney do now if there is either no statement or indication of an impending resignation?

[toxic avenger]

I'd say it's likely, there was certainly some assurance given to Cowen before the last election. Which is why I repeat that he's going nowhere this side of summer. If he were just a Cabinet minister he'd have been dropped like a hot potato 18 months ago, but FF recognise that they can't do that here, his party's success for years has been inextricably linked with his appeal to voters. But I'd say they're heartily resentful of the position they've been forced to defend on his behalf.

[The Trinity Politick]

Have Senior FF Ministers Done A Deal With Ahern?

According to today's Irish Independent senior ministers have advised Bertie Ahern not to give any explanation to the Dail on questions over his evidence to the Mahon Tribunal about his finances.

Further we have Minister Micheál Martin stating that, while he had full confidence in Bertie Ahern's leadership and praised him for his role in the peace process, in economic development and in social partnership, he believes the Taoiseach should use the forum of the tribunal and not speak outside of that forum.

Have these senior Ministers done a deal with Ahern: dont make a further statement, go to Washington, come home and retire?

What will Ahern say in the Dail on Wednesday?

As an aside; what does Harney do now if there is either no statement or indication of an impending resignation?

Of course they have. Ahern will say pretty much nothing on Wednesday. The media will beat away at the Greens and the PDs but they'll shut their traps. Ahern will go on till June and then gracefully hand over power to Cowen. By the time the next election comes around, this will be forgotten and no one will care.

Fine Gael and Labour need to get their act together on this, and fast.

[lostexpectation]

that speech in the us is long time away, and by that time how can he retire in the middle of referendum campaign

[Michael_Moloney_MCC_I]

Have Senior FF Ministers Done A Deal With Ahern?

Or with the Devil?

Michael Moloney MCC (Indep) Laois Co. Co.)

[The Trinity Politick]

that speech in the us is long time away, and by that time how can he retire in the middle of referendum campaign

No it isn't. Its on the 20 April isn't it?

And why can't he retire during that campaign. What possible difference would it make? Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour are all campaigning for a 'yes' so Bertie going bye bye won't make a diff

[ajcahill]

[quote=Michael_Moloney_MCC_I]

Have Senior FF Ministers Done A Deal With Ahern?

Or with the Devil?

Michael Moloney MCC (Indep) Laois Co. Co.)[/quote:c9s3ilar]

Listen Irish government ministers work ALWAYS in the best interest of the people, and never put themselves or their party before the interests of the country, that is why we have reaped wonder benefits from the celtic tiger, look at how good our health service works, our transport systems are near perfect, builders have done a wonderful job in charge of social engineering and urban/rural planning, crime is decreasing and hope is increasing, while our freedom of speech and media is second to none. What blessed times we and our children live in.

[Airport Spider]

Not made a deal; laid down the law, dictated the process, whatever. But - not all Senior FF ministers, just the Cowan-ites. There are key ppl out in the cold, but the (correct) calculation there is they don't have the liathroidi nor the clout to do owt about it. The corpse of Bert has still a few rounds of the track to do, esp. (right on, Analyst) the American gig

[tonys]

I’m in a position to confirm that he had indeed done a deal with his ministers.
They should continue to do their jobs and he’ll continue to do his.

[Airport Spider]

As a protected species, Tony needs to be watered, weeded, and occasionally gently challenged, and their environment maintained at a constant temperature. Some well-rotted manure, used sparingly, will increase the volume and the verdant greenery of the foliage. Tonys like to live in the shadow of a great tree, and even if the aforesaid big tree comes down in a storm, they enjoy being close to the remnants, the roots and scattered leaf cover. Tough love as opposed to overly pampering will result in a tall wiry plant which will be a constant delight, and a reminder of a more innocent past, right there in your glasshouse. Love your Tonys.

But - Don't put any stones near the Tonys, it may be tempted to throw them.