It has been revealed today that Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been receiving his full pension of €150,000, after reversing his decision to give part of it back to the state.
New information was released under Freedom Of Information legislation, that show that Ahern, together with several other ministers, had been making use of the “My Fingers Were Crossed” loophole, that meant that they could say absolutely anything they wanted in public and not have to follow through on it at all.
Ahern earlier commented:
When I made those comments about giving back my pension, I had my fingers crossed. It’s a perfectly legitimate and legal procedure that I and others have been using for years. I’ve used it to avoid being caught in a game of kiss chasing in 2nd class and I’ll continue to use it to get out of any statement, promise or commitment I make to the Irish people.
When a minister or acting member of the government crosses his fingers, he is in fact taxed – “taxed” as in the international school-yard game agreement, where you can’t be caught during a game of chasing – not to be confused with the other term “taxed”, that relates to deducting members of the public’s take home pay to cover debts they don’t actually owe.
Many ministers have used the “fingers crossed” loophole before. Ruairi Quinn had his fingers crossed when he signed the pledge not to raise university fees, Enda Kenny had his fingers crossed when he said the EU would be negotiating on Ireland’s debt and Charlie Haughey had his fingers crossed so much, that he developed chronic arthritis in both his hands by the age of 27.
Hero
However others are claiming that Ahern is a “hero” and a true patriot that is claiming what is rightfully his. As a nation bows down to the imposed austerity measures, deductions and cuts to wages, Ahern and other ministers are standing firm – some claiming as an example to the nation of how we should act to those in power – don’t protest in the rain, simpye take what is rightfully yours.
Some are calling him brave, taking such a stance against the government and are calling for more people to be as brave, selfish and self centred as he is, so that this country can rise from the ashes of corruption.
Regardless of whether this former Taoiseach is a “hero” or not, it appears the legal basis for the “My Fingers Were Crossed” legislation will remain – as any changes proposed, that would harm TDs or ministers pay, would be introduced and signed off, by TD’s who would have their fingers crossed, thus voiding any changes that could be made.
Join us on Facebook for the latest breaking news stories.
Thanks to Joe Moore and Dermot Rocheman for help with this article.
My does ahern and his buddies have or shame for their actions when in goverment .
All I can call them is bunch of not very nice people with their big pensions, kids going to school hungry , mothers and fathers tearing their hair out knowing where they can get few bob to try and live,
My anger sais I hate the living site of these people and I can say I dont wish them any luck in the fuature