Why I won’t be voting for Bertie!

The rumour mill is rife with news that Bertie the deal-maker-peace-maker-former-Minister for Finance-who-kept-cash-in-envelopes-becausehe-didn’t-have-a-bank-account Ahern is being mooted as Fianna Fáil’s candidate for the big job at the Áras in 2025!

devastating losses as a result of these earthquakes.

I cannot imagine the pain and the heartache you’re all going through at this extremely sad and difficult time. I do know that the good, decent and compassionate people of this county will not just rally around, they’ll also wrap their arms around you, and do all that they humanely can to help you through this extremely painful time. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.

The three-time former Taoiseach, who, to give him his due, did make a substantial contribution in pushing up the sale of brown envelopes, oh sorry, in securing the Good Friday Agreement, has himself hinted he’s considering running for the role, so long as he manages ‘to stay alive that long’.

However, having left the political party following the Mahon Tribunal’s findings regarding his er, financial discrepancies, and the fact he didn’t exactly give a truthful account of himself either, I have to say I find it insulting that he’s being brought back into service.

I do know we’re approaching the 25th anniversary of the historic Good Friday Agreement, of which Bertie was an architect; but couldn’t we just hand him a medal or the Freedom of Dublin or some sort of distinguished service award? Do we have to have him as our president?

I know many of you may believe that Bertie is possibly God’s gift to Ireland (I do hope you kept the receipt), and, in fairness, he’s probably a really nice man. However, even though he’s from my neck of the woods, (Dublin’s north side), if he runs for office I’m afraid Mr Ahern will not be getting my vote. Why? Because when it comes to politics, I believe it’s about time the citizens of this country got a bit of sense and stopped rewarding what I call smart alec-y, flamboyant-chancery. Besides, my days of being blinded by boyish charm, charisma and cute hoorism are long behind me!