Ahern’s comments are beyond the pale – Ruth O’Dea

13 May 2026

Ahern’s comments are beyond the pale - Ruth O’Dea - The Labour Party

The Labour Party candidate in the Dublin Central bye-election Ruth O’Dea has called on Bertie Ahern to withdraw his comments on migration, describing them as crossing a line.

O’Dea said:

“Ahern’s comments are beyond the pale. It is irresponsible, and he has crossed a line.

“The comments are nothing short of despicable and as a former Taoiseach, he should know better than making such inflammatory comments.

“It’s yet another shameful example during this bye-election campaign of punching down on migrants, and I’ve no doubt that Ahern has thrown this grenade out to distract from the litany of failures that Fianna Fáil have presided over in Government from housing to childcare to enhancing Dublin City.

“I would urge all candidates running to serve the people of Dublin Central in this bye-election to reject the division that Ahern and others are seeking to sow.”

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