Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that he cannot physically prevent former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern from canvassing, following controversial remarks made by Ahern about Muslim integration in Ireland. Martin made the comments during a press conference on May 15, 2026, as reported by the Irish Examiner.
Ahern had earlier told the Irish Examiner that while he was not worried about the current generation of Muslims in Ireland, he expressed concerns about future generations. He later acknowledged that he should not have specifically referenced people's ethnicities, after his comments were criticized for being divisive.
Martin emphasized that while he disagrees with Ahern's remarks, there are no legal grounds to stop him from participating in political activities. The controversy has sparked debate about integration and political discourse in Ireland, with several politicians calling for more inclusive language.
