The LAST WORD

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern loves a good singsong but he hasn’t a note in his head, he admits. Here, he chats about his family, the one piece of advice that shaped his life, and how he would like to be remembered

Georgina was born. It was a day that made me extremely happy.

Did you shed a tear?

I was more worried than anything because she was so small. She was born a bit premature.

Are you scared of anything?

When we were teenagers we used to walk through graveyards at night. We used to challenge ourselves not to be scared of things. Nowadays, walking around the streets you would be worried. The thing I was most scared of this summer was

Dublin playing Kerry in the All-Ireland final

[laughs]!

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

Fresh air and bright evenings! I love having my windows open, I love walking and being out in the open air. I think I take after my father in that regard, he worked outdoors all his life. I’m not a lover of the winter, I love the bright evenings when it’s sunny until 10 or 10.30pm.

Has any song or movie changed your life?

I love history films and documentaries, I’m not into fiction. I don’t follow the big actors or actresses. If whoever won the Oscars walked into my room, I wouldn’t know who they are. It has to be real for me.

How do you want to be remembered?

If I’m remembered at all, says you. Things in this life move on so fast. I want to be remembered as someone who did his best with the opportunities I got. I was very grateful for them all. I tried to improve the country I live in to the best of my ability.

Is there any talent you wish you had?

I’d love to be able to sing, but I can’t. I never had a note in my head. I could get a job in Westlife and make some money if I could sing [jokes].

If you were at a singsong, what would be your go-to tune?

I love ballads like Raglan Road and The Town I Know So Well. I spent a lot of time singing along with John Hume [prominent Northern Ireland politician who died in 2020], and he was a good singer. I’ve fond memories of that.

What’s your no laughing matter moment?

I’m anti-violence by nature and I don’t like any kind of violence. When it comes to cruelty or torture, I don’t see any funny side to it. I’ve spent a lot of time in conflict resolution.

What living person do you admire the most?

I’ve huge admiration for Bill Clinton and I’ve a very good relationship with him. I think he was a very good president, but I suppose I’m biassed.

What do you owe your parents?

They taught so much and a lot of your life is shaped on what they teach you. They passed on courtesies, religious beliefs and common understanding of people. My mam and my dad showed me how to be a better person.

I tried to improve the country I live in to the best of my ability