watch | 

Bertie Ahern says ‘I couldn’t believe it’ as he reacts to Jeffrey Donaldson sex claims

“I have dealt with him politically for years. So it was a big shock. Nobody saw this coming, it was totally unexpected’

‘Nobody saw this coming’- Bertie Ahern reacts to Jeffrey Donaldson’s resignation after he was charged with historical sex offences

Today at 17:31

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has expressed his shock at Jeffrey Donaldson’s resignation as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Speaking to the Sunday independent this afternoon, Mr Ahern said: “I have known Jeffrey for 35 years.

“I have dealt with him politically for years. So it was a big shock. I couldn’t believe it. Nobody saw this coming, it was totally unexpected. Obviously now it will have to take its course now in the courts.”

The former Fianna Fáil leader was speaking as he gave the keynote address at this year‘s annual commemoration of the 1916 Rising in the Garden of Remembrance on Dublin’s Parnell Square.

Expressing his concern for the stability of the Northern Ireland Executive, he said: “I think all our concerns are the stability of the institutions – that everything will stay settled.

“The four parties involved in the Executive were very clear yesterday that they want to see business continue as it was.

“They have made a really good start, they have been very impressive, the first minister and deputy first minister have both shown really good leadership and I hope everybody just knuckles down and keeps that going.”

He went on to say “the bigger picture” is “the stability of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA)” pointing to the upcoming meeting between North and South bodies on April 8 which he said will be “hugely important” and will signal the first sign that it is “business a usual” in the North.

Mr Donaldson, who is the longest-serving MP in Northern Ireland, became DUP leader in July 2021 following the resignation of Edwin Poots.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahern also took time out from today’s ceremony to give some hard earned advice to the newly appointed Taoiseach-designate Simon Harris.

Describing the job as “tough” and a “seven day a week” role, he said: “You have to be at it, consistently, every single day. The day you drop your guard.. it’s going to be difficult.”

Speaking about the loneliness of the job, Mr Ahern said “You have great colleagues in politics but the one thing you learn is that, when it’s good news, they’re all there to announce it. When it’s bad news, you are usually on your own. And that’s how it is. It’s amazing how people hide.”

On the possibility of an impending cabinet reshuffle by Mr Harris, Mr Ahern said: “If I was him I wouldn’t shuffle too much. It’s dangerous.

The event was held in the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin’s Parnell Square.

It was organised by the 1916 Relatives Association, a voluntary organisation of people whose ancestors were involved in the Easter Rising from all walks of life and from all parts of the country. It is both non-political and non-religious.

The sole purpose of the organisation is to commemorate the participants who bravely sacrificed themselves for the freedom the Irish people enjoy today.

At the event, the Proclamation was read by John Colbert, the grand nephew of Con Colbert who was executed in Kilmainham Gaol on 8th May 1916.

18-year-old Ruby O’Kelly also performed moving renditions of ‘The Foggy Due’ and Grace’, while wreaths were laid by Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Nial Ring on behalf of the citizens of Dublin; Louis O’Hanlon and Emer Morgan (1st and 2nd generation 1916 relatives) on behalf of the 1916 Relatives Association and Michael Kinahan, President of ONE on behalf of veterans of Oghlaigh na hEireann, the Irish Defence Forces, successors of the Irish Volunteers.

The Pipe Major on the day was Anthony Byrne from the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) Pipe Band.

The Association’s Annual Easter Rising Commemoration is the first event held each year to commence commemorative events across the country.