A video has been shared on social media with a recording of Bertie Ahern making racist, anti-immigrant comments while canvassing during the Dublin Central by-election.
People Before Profit Dublin Central by-election candidate Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin has condemned Ahern’s comments.
Ó Ceannabháin said:
“Bertie Ahern’s racist comments are vile. Few people have done as much damage to this country as him. It is disgusting but not surprising that this odious individual tries to scapegoat immigrants for the problems facing this country.
“Politicians who target immigrants try to divide ordinary people and distract from the greed of the rich and powerful. It's the likes of Fianna Fáil, Bertie Ahern and their golden circles that are responsible for the housing crisis and poverty in this country, not immigrants. There are plenty of people who would say Bertie Ahern ought to be in jail. In a just society maybe he would be, but we don't punish developers or their friends here.
“It's almost 20 years since Fianna Fáil won a Dáil seat in Dublin Central. That’s the verdict of the people of this constituency on Bertie Ahern and Fianna Fáil.
“On polling day I have no doubt voters will again keep Dublin Central a Fianna Fáil-free zone and Bertie Ahern can go crawl back under the rock he came from.”