Bertie Ahern to officially step down today

Ireland's prime minister Bertie Ahern will officially step down today

Reddit Stumble

 

Also In The News

Up to 10,000 killed in Burma cyclone
The estimated death toll grows in Burma as authorities report up to 10,000 deaths from Cyclone Nargis.

• Hundreds evacuated from trapped luxury cruise ship
• Prince Harry receives campaign medal
• Microsoft abandons $47.5bn Yahoo! bid

 

Tuesday, 06, May 2008 10:27

Ireland's prime minister Bertie Ahern will officially step down today.

Mr Ahern, 56, will hand over his seal of office to Irish president Mary McAleese amid damaging allegations of financial irregularities.

The prime minister announced his surprise resignation in April as pressure grew over an investigation by an anti-corruption tribunal.

Mr Ahern has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to the allegations.

"I have never received a corrupt payment and I have never done anything to dishonour any office I have held. I know in my heart of hearts that I have done no wrong and wronged no one," he said at the time.

Finance minister Brian Cowen will succeed Mr Ahern after a nomination in the lower house of parliament, the Dali, tomorrow.

Mr Ahern was elected taoiseach (prime minister), in 1997 and went on to win three successive general elections as the head of a coalition government.