Bertie talks his way around the world
FORMER Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, so often accused of using obfuscating language in the Dail, is a speaker for the Washington-based World Lecture Agency, he revealed in a new register of TDs' interests.
He is also a director of the property company Parker Green International of Newry, and Co-operation Ireland. Mr Ahern also disclosed that flights and attendance at the European Cup Final in Moscow last year were provided by London-based educational charity the Chello Foundation, for whom he spoke at a ball.
He also attended the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in New York last year, and spoke at the 'Irish Post' Awards in London. He spent three days in Malta with Parker Green, while the Washington Speakers Bureau paid for him to go to Korea and Ecuador to deliver paid lectures.
" Since retiring as Taoiseach, I have attended a large number of functions for charities, practically all on the island of Ireland for which no costs are received," he said. He donated his RTE fee as compere for 'The Road to Croker' to the local Ventry GAA club.
- Taoiseach Brian Cowen declared himself a silent partner in the solicitors firm of O' Donovan and Cowen, William St, Tullamore, Co Offaly. He holds no shares, but owns a premises at Carr Mills, Leeds, in England, which is let out. He also owns apartments in Kilmainham and Mount Brown in Dublin.
- Junior Minister for Children Barry Andrews is getting some income from past legal cases, despite having retired from the Law Library in 2003.
- Labour spokesman on employment Willie Penrose revealed he is double-jobbing, and is continuing to be paid for work as a barrister.
- FG foreign affairs spokesman Billy Timmins is being paid a pension for his service as an officer in the Defence Forces.
- FG finance spokesman Richard Bruton took a hit during the year, with his register of interest showing shares in AIB, BoI, Anglo Irish and Irish Life & Permanent.
- Minister Mary Harney also lost out on her BoI and AIB shares. "Although value exceeded €13,000 when acquired, do not do so now", her register of interests declares.
- FG Cork South Central TD Deirdre Clune has shares in her family's Barry's Tea company.
- Tanaiste Mary Coughlan declared a gift of an ornamental boat from Abu Dhabi's foreign affairs minister. She donated it to the State.
- Green Party TD Ciaran Cuffe has invested in a "green effects" share fund.
- FF Galway West TD Frank Fahey has ownership or shareholdings in 18 properties in Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and the USA.
- FG Roscommon-South Leitrim TD Frank Feighan has 15 properties and shares in 20 companies.
- Defence Minister Willie O'Dea lists stakes in diamonds, mining and Persian gold.
- Former Ceann Comhairle Rory O'Hanlon listed a wide-ranging and diversified portfolio -- including property moves in China.
- FG's Alan Shatter has stakes in 14 properties in Ireland, Britain and Florida.
- Senan Molony and Michael Brennan
