Bertie Ahern says general election should be held in June when ‘weather is warm’
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said a general election should be held in June, when the weather is warm and it is bright in the evenings.
Mr Ahern made the comments as he attended the 82nd Fianna Fail Ard Fheis conference in Dublin.
“I think it will (stay for the full term). It’s not my decision anymore. If it was my decision the election would be mid-June when it’s warm and it’s light at 10.30 at night, but I don’t get the sense that is going to happen,” he said on Saturday.
Mr Ahern, who was 44 when he became taoiseach in 1997, said he wished Simon Harris well in his role as head of Government.
He said that despite Mr Harris’ youth, he has a lot of experience in various government roles.
“I was young (becoming taoiseach) and now they are getting younger all the time. I wish him well and he has a lot of experience as he was in health, which is a hard ministry, for four years, he was in third level education and finance (junior minister),” Mr Ahern added.
“He (Mr Harris) has a lot of experience. He might be only 37 but he still has put in a lot of years. I wish him well, it’s hugely important for the country that he does well so I give him my very best in everything.”
Asked if he any any advice for Mr Harris, who is now the country’s youngest taoiseach, Mr Ahern said: “I think it’s taking a small number of issues and doing the best you can on those issues. If you try to take on too many issues you’ll be spread out.
“It’s very hard – there’s always the unpredictable. One thing when you are taoiseach is you get up in the morning and the day never runs the way you think it will.”
Speaking about the local elections, which is take place in June, the Dublin man said: “Every election is a challenge and all I know and from what I have seen, they’re (candidates) all out working hard and they’re doing their best and trying to deal with the issues.
“It seems like very good reception. There is a long way to go – six weeks of hard work.”