No ifs or Berts...

Ahern says he's dropping out of race for Aras

- BY AINE KENNY

FORMER Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has dropped out of the presidential race, saying he has no desire to run as an Independent candidate.

Rumours had swirled for weeks that the former Fianna Fail leader was going to make a bid for president, however, his nomination was never officially announced or accepted by his party.

Mr Ahern explained his reasons for stepping back in an online message to his supporters.

"I suppose [Micheal Martin] saw in his view that there was a candidate 20 years younger and somebody from outside the party.