'Dismay' at College invite to Bertie Ahern

Several past pupils of St Columb's College in Derry have expressed dismay that former Taoisaech Bertie Ahern will be the guest of honour at the annual dinner of St Columb's College Past Pupils' Union.

Ahead of the presentation, the former St Columb's College students said the former Taoiseach had been disgraced when it emerged a decade ago he had played fast and loose with the truth when required to explain major aspects of his finances.

The former students added: "A statutory inquiry described his sworn evidence as 'unreliable and untrue'. 

"The Inquiry under Judge Mahon found that he had accepted large donations from property developers and others while in government without declaring them.

"In one instance, it ruled that he had been dishonest under oath in his account of how he had received €165k. He testified that he’d won the money “on the horses.”

"He [Mr Ahern] claimed that he couldn’t explain his income and outgoings during his period as Minister of Finance because he hadn’t had a bank account.

"If an ordinary citizen had come up with this sort of yarn to explain social welfare payments he’d be told to think up a better one than that if he wanted to stay out of jail.

"St Columb’s is one of the most prestigious schools in these islands. It boasts Nobel Laureates, great musicians and a roll-call of other giants of global culture.

"This shining reputation will be sullied by St Columb’s now conferring honour upon him.  Nothing else that he's done can wash away the stench of corruption. 

"Ahern’s attendance at this function sets current St Columb's students a terrible example as they prepare to make their way in the world."

The statement was signed by: Eamonn McCann, Shaun Harkin, Rónán Moyne, James Doherty, Declan Donnelly, Colm Bryce, Mark Burns and Patrick Bradley.