Highlights
– Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern announces resignation from office
– Ahern is credited with forging 1998 Good Friday peace agreement
– Brian Cowen chosen as successor
– Ahern becomes European Union President possibility
On April 2, 2008, Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern announced his resignation from office, ending an 11-year stint as Irish PM. Considered the greatest electoral asset of his Fianna Fail party, Ahern secured election three times to lead a sting of coalition governments. However, amid growing evidence indicating Ahern may have been involved in suspect financial matters, Ahern resigned.
A notable personality, Ahern has earned respect from his colleagues and adoration from his populace, for his participation in the success of the 1998 historic Good Friday agreement, thus bringing an end to the so-called “troubles” in Northern Ireland. Following his resignation, former British PM and respected colleague, Tony Blair, praised Ahern declaring him a “remarkable man.” Further, Blair praised Ahern’s “crucial role in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland.”
On April 9, 2008, Fianna Fail announced Ahern’s chosen successor and deputy, Brian Cowen. Former finance minister, Cowen, is scheduled to takeover for Ahern on May 7, 2008 just one day after the taoiseach is set to step down from office. Despite the outgoing premier’s recent scandal, Ahern remains a likeable personality and a potential candidate for the newly created European Union (EU) president position. To this end, it is likely this will not be the last time the world sees or hears from Bertie Ahern.
Irish Taoiseach Resigns
On April 2, 2008, Irish taoiseach (PM) Bertie Ahern announced his resignation from office, amid a growing scandal the notable PM was involved in questionable financial transactions. Addressing the evidence against him, Ahern stated, “I want everyone to understand on truth above all else. Never in all the time I served in public life have I ever put my interests ahead of the public good.”
The startling move came just before the ten-year anniversary of signing of the Good Friday agreement, which restored devolved government to Northern Ireland, and in which Ahern played an important role. Ahern is scheduled to step down from office on May 6, 2008.
Known for his boisterous personality, Ahern is the son of a former IRA-member, and largely considered Fianna Fail’s greatest electoral asset. Securing three electoral wins, Ahern served a total of 11 years in office and presided over the so-called “Celtic Tiger” years marked by a booming Irish economy and reverse emigration.
Reacting to Ahern’s resignation, former British PM, Tony Blair, praised the Taoiseach’s work stating he is a “remarkable man” and a valued partner in forging the Northern Ireland peace deal. Further, Blair stated the Irish PM is credited “for transforming relations between Britain and the Irish Republic and for presiding over a sustained period of economic and social advance in Ireland.”
Cowen is Chosen Successor; Ahern Looks Ahead
Shortly following Ahern’s announcement, on April 9, 2008, the Fianna Fail party chose the Taoiseach’s successor. Former finance minister, and Ahern deputy, Brian Cowen, will step up as PM on May 7, 2008. Personal confidante to Ahern and sole candidate put forward ahead of the election, Cowen stated, “I am deeply honored by the confidence shown in me by the members of the Parliamentary Party.” At first glance, Cowen appears a strong and competent leader who enjoys the support of Fianna Fail party members.
Ahern’s decision to step down from office has proved a strategic move in more ways than one. Fixing his departure on May 6, 2008, Ahern has effectively removed uncertainties concerning the Irish referendum of the Lisbon Treaty in June 2008 (Previous Report). Specifically, the vote no longer risks evolving into a judgment, positive or negative, on him.
Further, despite his recent resignation, Ahern may not yet be at the end of his political career. Ahern’s efforts and successes as Irish PM have led to his position as a possible candidate for the newly created post of European Union (EU) president. Amid the praise of PM Blair and others, Ahern is a likeable candidate for the position and maintains a realistic chance of becoming the first permanent president of the European Council later this year. However, Ahern faces an uphill battle to attain the position as former colleague and countryman, Tony Blair, is a favored candidate as well. In either case, this is not likely to be the last time the world sees or hears from Bertie Ahern.
