Statement from Councillor Helen Ogbu following Bertie Ahern’s comments
13 May 2026
Statement from Councillor Helen Ogbu following Bertie Ahern’s comments - The Labour Party
Labour’s Councillor Helen Ogbu was today responding to comments from former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Councillor Helen Ogbu said:
“I was dismayed to listen to Bertie Ahern’s ignorant and divisive comments. Immigrants make an incredible contribution to Irish society.
“Our hospitals and our care sector for example simply won’t function without the contribution of workers from abroad.
“To hear immigrants being singled out and scapegoated by a former Taoiseach and current member of the Council of State is shocking, the level of ignorance behind those remarks beggars belief.
“I am calling on Mr. Ahern to reflect on his comments and acknowledge the hurt he has caused and apologise.”