Programme 2
Monday 10 November 2008
Unfortunately, this programme has now expired. Please note that each episode is only available for 21 days after transmission.
Episode two opens with the 1990 Presidential election and takes the story up to Bertie Ahern's appointment as leader of Fianna Fáil in 1994.
Charles Haughey's sudden resignation in January 1992 saw Bertie Ahern come under intense pressure to stand against Albert Reynolds for the leadership. However, after what according to his supporters was a smear campaign, Ahern ultimately decided not to stand, and survived his 'Night of the Long Knives' reshuffle unscathed.
As newly appointed Treasurer of Fianna Fail, Ahern appointed Des Richardson, a member of the 'Drumcondra mafia' as Fianna Fail's national fundraiser. In the 80s, Ahern's machine had moved to take control of the party organisation in North Dublin. Now they were installed at the very top of the party.
Richardson proved able to raise considerable sums for Fianna Fáil from wealthy businessmen including Cork developer Owen O'Callaghan. We now know that he was also raising money for Bertie Ahern personally.
Over the next two years, cash worth more than double Bertie Ahern's official salary would flow into a network of accounts under his control. In the series, Bertie Ahern responds to detailed questioning on his finances.
