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Bye bye, Bertie
Topic Started: Apr 3 2008, 12:45 PM (86 Views)
JoanneVIP
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THE BOSS
Bye bye, Bertie


Yesterday’s shock announcement by Bertie Ahern that he will stand down next month marks the end of a phenomenal era in Irish politics. Love him or hate him, Ahern has shaped the political landscape and led the country through an economic boom over the past decade, and has been one of the most successful political leaders Ireland has seen.

With the Mahon Tribunal still ploughing its way through claims of payments made to the Taoiseach, and Ahern’s own legal challenge to the disclosure of documents now under way, it is too early to tell what the Taoiseach’s lasting legacy will be. While recent revelations about lodgements made to his account and party loans to Celia Larkin have undoubtedly damaged the Teflon Taoiseach’s veneer, he himself denies any wrongdoing, claiming his decision to step down is at least partly motivated by bad publicity arising from these bombshells.

“It is a matter of real concern to me that the important work of Government and party is now being overshadowed by issues relating to me at the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments,” he said during his statement yesterday. “The constant barrage of commentary on tribunal related matters has and I believe will continue to dominate the political agenda at an important point for our country.

“The decision I am announcing today — like all other decisions that I have taken in a lifetime in politics— is solely motivated by what is best for the people.

“I have been reflecting on pursuing this course of action for some time. This is solely a personal decision. I have no doubt that a simplistic analysis will suggest that my decision has been influenced by most recent events at the tribunal. What I announce today is completely inspired by the desire to refocus the political dynamic in Ireland. Recent developments have not motivated my decision.”

History will judge Bertie Ahern’s actions once the Mahon Tribunal has concluded its work, and while he announced his departure under a cloud of suspicion yesterday, let us not forget his commitment to politics in the last 10 years. This is a man who, in 1998, returned to Northern Ireland to continue fraught negotiations on the Good Friday Agreement just hours after burying his beloved mother.

With Brian Cowen installed as the firm favourite to succeed Bertie as Taoiseach — Paddy Power is offering odds of 1-20 on Biffo taking over the reigns in May — what Bertie will do next is anyone’s guess. The bookmaker is offering odds of 3-1 on his being appointed the next EU president, 5-1 on his being elected the next president, and 1,000-1 on the unlikely scenario of his replacing Louis Walsh as manager of Westlife. Well, he does have the family connections.

Glaway advetriser...
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JoanneVIP
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THE BOSS
The bits in yellow are funny lol........... maybe the next memebr of Westlife......xx
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Gloria
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Westlife DIVA star
Thanks Jo for posting,what a shame he is resigning.I love the yellow written bits.Imagine Bertie managing WESTLIFE. :lol: haha
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jlovenicky
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Jacqueline
He stops!? DO you mean that?! because i dont understand it...
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JoanneVIP
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THE BOSS
Yeah bertie is quitting politics so Irealdn will have a new prime minister
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jlovenicky
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Jacqueline
Okj. now i understand
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JoanneVIP
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THE BOSS
Thats good
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uptowngirl
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thanks for posting hunnie
i heared that in german radio today
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MrsMaryByrne
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Mary
thanks for posting....
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