Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern refuses to rule out Aras bid on RTE Late Late Show

Bertie Ahern refused to rule out a bid to enter Aras an Uachtarain on the Late Late Show last night.

Since the former Taoiseach recently rejoined Fianna Fail, rumours have been swirling hat he has plans to run for President in 2025. Mr Ahern appeared on the Late Late Show on Friday night alongside journalist Aoife Moore and councillor Nicholas Trimble to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

As the interview was wrapping up, Tubridy decided to address the rumours and ask Ahern if he was "running for the Aras or not".

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"Next question," replied Ahern, refusing to answer. Tubridy said: "I'll take that as a yes. Even I'm around long enough to know what that answer is."

Ahern replied: "Yeah well, I hear you're running," to which Tubridy joked: "I'll see you at the starting line."

Tubridy questioned if Mr Ahern's political past worried him about running for president. "How you left the Taoiseach's office and all that, does that worry you when it comes to the race for the presidency?" he asked.

"To be honest with you, I haven't really thought about that," said Ahern. "I said I’m going to stay involved in the North for this year.

“There's so many outstanding issues. I’m enjoying trying to bring what we started 30 years ago to an end.”

Mr Ahern described US President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland as an "enormous opportunity" for the North.

“Rishi Sunak has done a good job, Northern Ireland is part of Ireland, the British and EU economy,” he said.

“It's the best three card trick. All we need are the politicians to get their act in line. If that happens, then Northern Ireland can really thrive… Biden’s interest in Northern Ireland, as president and long before, has been outstanding.”

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