Just 24 hours after dropping him in the Cabinet reshuffle, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, was in Dr Jim McDaid's heartland of Donegal North East yesterday where he strongly defended his decision. Cronan Scanlon reports.
Mr Ahern flew in by helicopter to Doneyloop for the marriage of local man Mr Mark Gallagher to Ms Gillian Byrne sister of Westlife singer Nicky Byrne.
The Taoiseach said it was "nothing personal" and there was simply not enough room for Dr McDaid in the new Cabinet. "All over the country we have about 50 people looking for 15 positions and it's not possible to put the 50 in to 15 and that's the problem," he said.
"It is simply a question of numbers, I have appointed Jim twice and given him seven years as a minister and you have to find some balance around the country. Jim is a fine person and I had him in Cabinet for five years and minister of state for two years. If I had enough places, Jim would be there and so would everyone else. It is nothing personal against Jim, otherwise I would not have had him for the past seven years."
Mr Ahern said that he hoped there was a future in politics for Dr McDaid, adding that he has youth on his side. "Jim is a fine guy and if he wishes to, then he will bounce back. He has given a huge contribution to Government and is still a young man," he said.
Despite strong opposition from Fianna Fáil supporters in Donegal North East, Mr Ahern said he had no reservations about visiting the area and was delighted with the reception he got from local people. Local station Highland Radio was inundated with calls from constituents and local party members expressing their outrage.
Mr Ahern's wife Miriam and his daughter Cecelia were also present at the low-key wedding. His other daughter, Georgina, was bridesmaid and her husband Nicky was best man. The three other members of Westlife, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Kian Egan, also attended.