Ahern refused to meet Father Christmas last Wednesday while he was officially opening the Euro750m Dublin Port Tunnel. The Axis theatre group in Ballymun had been asked to organise the entertainment at the official opening and decided to give it a festive flavour with the arrival of Santa Claus in a truck.

A source close to the Axis theatre told the Sunday Tribune this weekend that the group "were shocked to get a call from one of Bertie's handlers before the event telling them that under no circumstances was Bertie to be pictured shaking hands with Santa Claus.

"The drama group were not given any reason for the handshake ban but we assume his handlers are apprehensive about him being seen in the company of such a generous man after the Bertiegate affair."

Ironically, as Bertie refused to accept season's greetings from the big man from the North Pole, he attacked "begrudgers" for their criticism of the over-budget project. "Despite the begrudgers the tunnel has opened, " he said.

Children in Drumcondra will be hoping that Santa Claus does not take offence from the man who begrudged him a simple handshake when he flies into Dublin tonight.