Bertie Ahern has moved to dampen down rumours that he is considering running for the presidency by saying any speculation is “disrespectful” to the incumbent, Michael D Higgins.
The former three-time Taoiseach set tongues wagging in Leinster House that he was considering a tilt at the top prize after he rejoined Fianna Fáil last month after an 11 year hiatus.
But the former Fianna Fáil leader said that he is a “huge supporter” of President Higgins as he said that he hasn’t decided if he’ll run in any election race.
Mr Ahern was speaking on the UK-based News Agents podcast.
He said: "I'm a huge supporter of the present president, and I actually think it's disrespectful of those people in the Republic who raise the issue about who would be next.
“Traditionally, we never have a debate about whom the next president will be until the last three months or so, so that's still two and a half years away.
“The issue doesn't even arise for two and a half years."
Meanwhile, on Thursday morning, Mr Ahern was heckled at an honorary conferring ceremony at DCU in Glasnevin, Dublin.
The most successful Irish political leader of modern times left national politics under a cloud when he resigned in 2012.
This followed adverse findings against him at the Mahon Tribunal into planning irregularities, although he was not found corrupt.
Mr Ahern was receiving his honorary degree to acknowledge the work he did in bringing peace to Northern Ireland 25 years ago when the Good Friday Agreement was signed.
The protesters shouted: “Bertie Ahern does not deserve any award,” as Mr Ahern walked to the podium to collect his honour.
The protesters identified themselves as members of the Connolly Youth Movement.
The lead protester said: “We cannot be idle and we cannot let an event like this go ahead unchallenged.
“We are opposed to the celebration.”
Mr Ahern stood silently with his head bowed during the protest, before resuming his walk to the podium after the protesters were removed from the hall.
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