`I do t think there is any threat from Stalin to the city of Dublin." Thus said Bertie Ahern in the Dail on Wednesday. He was replying to FG's Alan Dukes who asked him "to use whatever influence he might have with the Lord Mayor of Dublin to protect the citizens of this country and city, and indeed the residents, from the most repressive legislation that it is proposed to bring in. It would be worthy of Lenin, Stalin . . . Indeed, the nefarious KGB would happily implement it".
There were a few bewildered faces at this exchange, even Bertie said he wasn't sure what was being referred to. No explanation was given, but Quidnunc can reveal it refers to Dublin Corporation's plans to restrict assembly in O'Connell Street. And, of course, the Taoiseach has influence, his brother is the Lord Mayor, Maurice Ahern.