Disgraced Former Ireland Prime Minister Made N6.3 Million Giving Speech At "Ogun State Investors' Forum"

 Former Ireland Prime Minister Bertie Aherns

DISGRACED former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern made €30,000 for a speech at an economic forum in Nigeria – just days after the Mahon Tribunal rejected his evidence about money in his accounts as being ‘untruthful’.
Mr Ahern flew to the African nation, notorious for political corruption, on Sunday after announcing that he was resigning from Fianna Fail in advance of a motion to expel him.
Described as a global leader he gave the key note address on the opening day of the Ogun State Investors’ Forum yesterday.
His profile, displayed on the website, describes him as The Honorable Bertie Ahern and says he served as prime minister of Ireland from 1997-2008, adding that “at the age of 45, he was the youngest prime minister ever elected to the office”.
It goes on to say: “He paved the way for tremendous economic prosperity, peace and global political prominence.
“During his tenure as prime minister, Ahern transformed Ireland from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the wealthiest.
“A period of economic prosperity called the "Celtic Tiger" led to an unprecedented rise in disposable income. “Unemployment fell from 18 percent to 3.5 percent, and the average industrial wage grew to one of the highest in Europe. Public debt was dramatically reduced while Ahern oversaw large investments in the modernization of cities and infrastructure.”
The glowing profile mentions that he negotiated the Good Friday Agreement and a European Constitution, as well as a variety of other achievements, but fails to reference the economic collapse Ireland has suffered.
It records his love of GAA and says: “He has two daughters, Georgina and Cecelia. Georgina is married to Nicky Byrne, a member of the popular band Westlife. Cecelia is a best-selling author of romance novels, including P.S. I Love You, which was adapted into a movie starring Hilary Swank.”

There is no mention of the Mahon Tribunal or any reference to its comprehensive rejection of Mr Ahern’s evidence as untrue.
Mr Ahern commands a fee of €30,000 through the Washington Speakers Bureau for engagements worldwide. His first class travel and hotel expenses are also covered.
Its description of him says: “ Bertie Ahern brought peace and political prominence to Ireland, creating a progressive strategy and blueprint for other countries of the world to follow.”
The speeches he offers include: Peace through Inclusive Dialogue: Ireland’s Journey; Prime Minister as CEO; Leadership in Changing Times: What it Takes to Succeed; The Future Role of the European Union on the World Stage.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD Willie O'Dea has backed calls for pensions to be withdrawn from corrupt politicians.
"I wouldn't have any hesitation at all of pushing that line," said the Limerick deputy.
"I think that the people who have been found guilty of abusing their public office to receive money corruptly . I mean, I don't see why the taxpayer should be continuing to pay them a pension, quite frankly."