world
Bertie Ahern Secretly Recorded Discussing Immigration Concerns While Canvassing in Dublin
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern told a voter he had "no problem" with Ukrainians but expressed worry about Africans and future generations of Muslims. The five-minute recording, made nine or 10 days before 14 May 2026, prompted criticism from Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Ahern later clarified his support for Ireland's visa and asylum systems.
May 13, 10:22 AM·1m read2 sources
rte.ieAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
A video recording was made of former taoiseach Bertie Ahern while he was canvassing voters in a Dublin housing estate around nine or 10 days before 14 May 2026. Ahern was campaigning for a Fianna Fáil by-election candidate when a woman who answered her door challenged him on immigration and asked if borders could be closed.
" Ahern continued: "We can't be taking in people from the Congo and all these places.
Ahern told the woman he did not worry about this generation of Muslims but expressed concern about the future. The next generation, when the kids start growing up, there then that's when I think the problem will be," he said.
He told her he had shared that concern with Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan. The woman informed Ahern she had recorded their conversation and planned to release it on social media. She criticised him as he walked away, accusing him of not speaking up for the Irish.
Ahern told RTÉ he was recorded without his knowledge. " He added that many African people had gone through the system successfully and now live and work in his local area in Dublin. Ahern stated he supports the justice minister's policies on immigration.
" @BBCWorld reported that several other Fianna Fáil candidates criticised Ahern's remarks. " The most recent census data collected in April 2022 showed that one in five of Irish residents had been born outside Ireland. Jim O'Callaghan said before the Covid-19 pandemic there were about 3,000 to 4,000 asylum seekers coming into the Republic per year.
