leader of the Fianna Fáil party, Bertie Ahern, has caused a major political controversy as his remarks against immigrants.

Dublin: Former Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of Ireland and senior leader of the Fianna Fáil party, Bertie Ahern, has caused a major political controversy in the country due to his remarks against immigrants.

The incident came to light after a secretly filmed video was circulated on social media platform X during the Dublin Central by-election campaign. Following this, current Prime Minister and Fianna Fáil party leader Micheal Martin came forward to completely reject the former leader's words.

Bertie Ahern was out canvassing for votes for Fianna Fáil candidate John Stephens in Dublin Central. In front of a house, a woman resident spoke out in strong language against the current immigration rate in Ireland and about the “foreign invasion.” Ahern agreed with the woman’s words at the time, saying, “There are too many people coming here.”

He then named people from African countries, specifically those from "Congo." Ahern also says in the video that he is concerned about the new generation and children in the Muslim community and that he has discussed the issue with Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan. 

But at the end of the conversation, the woman revealed that she had been secretly recording all this and called Ahern a “thief”. The video has sparked fierce criticism from the opposition in the Irish parliament, the Dáil. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy accused Fianna Fáil of using immigrants as a scapegoat to cover up the government’s failures in housing and health. He said the ruling party was trying to divide and rule in order to gain votes.

But Prime Minister Micheal Martin has strongly denied the allegations. He said Bertie Ahern's comments were not party policy and Fianna Fáil does not endorse them. "There are people of many races in Ireland, and they all deserve respect. It is not right to single out one race for insults," Martin said. He added that it could not be seen as an official party campaign strategy, as it was something he said privately without knowing the camera was on.

Following the controversy, Bertie Ahern, in an interview with The Irish Times, clarified that he has no animosity towards Africans or Congolese people. He said that he has many African friends in the Drumcondra area where he lives and that many of the Christian priests there are from Africa. His supporters argue that he was trapped. Human rights organizations have not been ready to accept Ahern's explanation. 

John Lannon, chief executive of the migrant rights group Doras, strongly condemned the statement. He warned that such misinformation from someone as influential as the former prime minister would fuel racism in society and put the lives of foreigners at risk. Labour candidates Ruth O'Dea and Helen Ogbu also said the statement was "completely reprehensible".

In a situation where there is a major debate on the issue of immigration in Ireland, political observers believe that this controversy will cause a major setback for the Fianna Fáil party in the upcoming by-elections.