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02/04/2008
Bye Bye Bertie
The Irish Taoiseach has announced he will resign amidst an array of controversy over his financial affairs.
Bertie Ahern called a short notice press conference in Dublin on Wednesday morning starting a frenzy of speculation he would announce his resignation.
The Irish premier had just won a significant High Court battle to stop the Mahon Tribunal, which had dogged his recent political career, from exacting certain information from Mr Ahern and compelling the hearing to submit a range of financial documents to his legal team.
Mr Ahern, 56, has said he will leave office by May 6. He has been Ireland's leader for 11 years, but recent pressure about his financial inconsistencies have made his tenure impossible.
Investigators say they have uncovered more than $150,000 in undocumented cash deposits in his bank accounts.
Rumours recently abounded that a vote of no confidence could be demanded in the Dáil. After several senior members of Mr Ahern's party failed to say they believed his version of events, as given in the Mahon Tribunal, speculation that a vote of no confidence could oust the leader took hold, making the present Taoiseach's position untenable.
TD Brian Cowen, is said to be favourite to take over as Taoiseach.
(DW/JM)
Bertie Ahern called a short notice press conference in Dublin on Wednesday morning starting a frenzy of speculation he would announce his resignation.
The Irish premier had just won a significant High Court battle to stop the Mahon Tribunal, which had dogged his recent political career, from exacting certain information from Mr Ahern and compelling the hearing to submit a range of financial documents to his legal team.
Mr Ahern, 56, has said he will leave office by May 6. He has been Ireland's leader for 11 years, but recent pressure about his financial inconsistencies have made his tenure impossible.
Investigators say they have uncovered more than $150,000 in undocumented cash deposits in his bank accounts.
Rumours recently abounded that a vote of no confidence could be demanded in the Dáil. After several senior members of Mr Ahern's party failed to say they believed his version of events, as given in the Mahon Tribunal, speculation that a vote of no confidence could oust the leader took hold, making the present Taoiseach's position untenable.
TD Brian Cowen, is said to be favourite to take over as Taoiseach.
(DW/JM)
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Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
