A Day in the Life of a Gladhanding Taoiseach

The Irish Times reported yesterday on a day in the life of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who seems to have spent a large portion of that day at opening ceremonies. While the article provides details of his schedule, here’s a quick breakdown.

At 1pm, Ahern officially opens a hardware store in Dublin 11. Subsequently he proceeded to Dublin Airport to be picked up by a helicopter belonging to the Air Corps, in which he flew to Druid’s Glen, to unveil an award that been given to the hotel. Sometime after 2.30pm he was flown back to Dublin airport. The helicopter was then returned to its Baldonnel base. Later in the day, Ahern attended two other functions after his return to Dublin, presenting certificates and opening the new grounds of an athletic club.

Department of Defence records say the cost of the flights were around €2,100. That would be €2,100 of money coming from the taxpayer. A spokesperson from the Department of An Taoiseach is quoted in the article as saying that “Great care and attention is taken in relation to the Taoiseach’s engagements to ensure that no impropriety of State funds occurs.”

I suppose it’s a mere coincidence that the hotel is owned by the Flinn family, with long standing connections to Ahern’s party, Fianna Fáil?

Bertie needs to get his priorities in order. While I understand that the Taoiseach is expected to make appearances, using state property to go about the gladhanding of his party supporters is unacceptable. It could also be asked why he isn’t doing what he’s paid to do, namely, leading the country? I don’t recall flying around in military helicopters to hotel ceremonies (not to mention hotels owned by fellow party members) being part of the job of Taioseach.

This kind of thing is unacceptable - in any political party.