At the official welcoming ceremony for the Taoiseach, an interpreter repeatedly referred to Mr Ahern's partner, Ms Celia Larkin, as his wife.
Translating remarks made in Spanish by the Mexican President, Mr Fox, a Mexican interpreter referred four times to Ms Larkin as Mr Ahern's wife while both she and the Taoiseach stood on the official podium. The ceremony was hosted by Mr Fox in the National Palace. Last night, the Taoiseach's spokeswoman said that the relationship between Mr Ahern and Ms Larkin had been made clear to the Mexican authorities during the lengthy preparation for the trip.
However, diplomats pointed out that the title "signora", which was used to describe Ms Larkin, is used in Spanish to denote any woman over the age of 30. An official in Mr Fox's office was embarrassed when the matter was brought to his attention. Ms Larkin did not wish to speak about the matter.
