Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

In pictures: What are Bertie and Brian doing in the Áras?

The boys/former taoisigh are back in town for a ‘thank you’ reception by President McAleese for her Council of State.

FORMER TAOISIGH BERTIE Ahern and Brian Cowen made a surprise visit to Áras an Uachtaráin today for a ‘thank you’ reception President Mary McAleese held for former members of her Council of State.

Well, it was a surprise for us because we briefly forgot that Ahern and Cowen are both automatically members of the Council of State because they are former taoisigh. All former taoisigh, presidents and chief justices get to sit on the council if they are “able and willing to act”. There is no salary or stipend for sitting on the Council of State, which is an advisory body to the President of Ireland.

Former president Mary Robinson was also at the Áras today for that reason:

In pictures: What are Bertie and Brian doing in the Áras?
1 / 8
  • Áras reception

    Bertie Ahern with former SDLP leader John Hume stand beside a bust of former President and Taoiseach Eamon De Valera at Aras an Uachtarain.
  • Áras reception

    Bertie Ahern and John Hume
  • Áras reception

    Bertie Ahern and John Hume
  • Áras reception

    Former taoiseach Brian Cowen with President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin today.
  • Áras reception

    Senator Martin McAleese, Brian Cowen and President McAleese
  • Áras reception

    Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds with former minster Liz O'Donnell.
  • Áras reception

    Former president Mary Robinson with President Mary McAleese.
  • Áras reception

    Former minister Mary O'Rourke at Áras an Uachtaráin.

All images by Photocall Ireland

In pictures: Michael D’s sneak preview of his new home>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 56 comments
Close
56 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds