'No Berts, it's got to be Ahern'

DEMAND is growing within Fianna Fail to run Bertie Ahern in the presidential election.

- BY KEITH FALKINER

The party has not fielded a candidate since Mary McAleese in 1997 and has yet to decide whether it will do so this time.

The former Taoiseach has never ruled out standing and many TDs believe he is Fianna Fáil’s best chance of winning the Presidency.

Cllr Michael Leane, who is the Cathaoirleach of Listowel Municipal District in Co Kerry, said he was a great leader of Fianna Fail for more than 14 years.

He added the former Taoiseach played a defining role in the peace process.