CMAT Takes Aim at Bertie Ahern in New Euro-Country Single

Irish pop artist CMAT has unveiled a teaser for her upcoming single from the highly anticipated album Euro-Country. The new track is set to take a critical look at former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his tenure in government, particularly during the tumultuous period surrounding the 2008 financial crisis.

The album, which is expected to be CMAT’s most politically charged work to date, follows her acclaimed performance on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival. On Tuesday, she shared a brief clip of the single on social media, revealing that the song, which shares the album’s name, addresses the financial hardships faced by families in her hometown during the crisis.

In a recent interview, CMAT reflected on the impact of the crisis stating, “I was about 12 and it all happened around me, it didn’t really happen to my family directly. My dad had a job in computers, we didn’t really have any money, we weren’t affluent, but we were fine.” She described the broader community’s struggles, noting that many families in her estate lost their livelihoods, leading to a wave of unemployment.

The emotional weight of the song is amplified by CMAT’s recollections of the personal tragedies that unfolded in her village. “In the village I grew up in, there was a year or 18 months where loads of the people I went to school with, their dads started killing themselves because they’d lost everything in the crash,” she explained.

This direct reference to Ahern marks a continuation of CMAT’s outspoken criticism of the former Fianna Fáil leader. In a 2023 interview with Hot Press, she expressed her strong feelings about Ahern, stating that if he were to run for the presidency, she would “make it my personal f**king mission to make sure that he doesn’t win.”

As of now, Ahern has not confirmed whether he will enter the presidential race later this year. Nonetheless, speculation around his candidacy has intensified, with his name frequently mentioned in political discussions.

The release of Euro-Country is highly anticipated, as it promises to blend CMAT’s unique pop sensibilities with poignant social commentary. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how her artistry will continue to evolve in response to the political landscape.

With the release date approaching, CMAT’s bold stance adds a layer of intrigue to her already vibrant career, positioning her as not just a performer but a voice reflecting the socio-political issues affecting her generation.