The Taoiseach told guests at the wedding reception of his daughter Georgina in France on Saturday that he had not been the best role model as a father and he had let down his wife Miriam, one of the guests said yesterday, write Lara Marlowe and Róisín Ingle
Speaking on RTÉ's The Sunday Show, independent television producer Mr Bill Hughes said Mr Ahern had spoken of "how he as a father had not been the best role model".
Mr Hughes quoted Mr Ahern as saying in his speech: "Miriam is a tower of strength and I have let Miriam down. But I really, really wanted to be here for Georgina today." Mr Hughes added: "In the room there was a hush and he said 'I have not been the best role model'."
According to Mr Hughes, the Taoiseach remarked "we are going to be murdered for this thing at home" - a reference to the hostile press coverage arising from the couple's decision to sell exclusive rights to cover the wedding to Hello! magazine.
There was a standing ovation after Mr Ahern spoke, Mr Hughes said, "because he really showed a vulnerable side that people don't often see".
He said he told Nicky Byrne and Georgina Ahern that he was going to talk about the wedding on radio and they had said: "Fair play to you".
Another guest confirmed to The Irish Times that the Taoiseach had suggested he was not a good role model to his daughter. He said the speech was "extremely emotional" and the Taoiseach was "close to tears" as he addressed the guests.
"It was a fantastic day - nothing like what the negative press coverage would suggest," he added.
However, frustrated residents of Gallardon jeered the wedding party when they were not allowed a glimpse of the couple or the Taoiseach as a result of the deal with Hello! French onlookers shouted "C'est dégueulasse" (It's disgusting) and rude comments about the bride and groom.