Tables turned on Bertie at capital culture countdown

ON his final day as supreme master of Europe, someone finally got to turn the tables on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

And true to form, it proved to be a group of Corkonians rather than a visiting US president or other European heads of state that threatened to undermine Bertie's sure-footed leadership over the past six months.

The incident that almost brought the Fianna Fáil leader to his knees occurred during one of his final functions as President of the EU when he helped to launch the countdown to Cork becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2005.

Joining a group of children for a photo-call at Government Buildings, the addition of the Taoiseach's weight to an ornate table resulted in a feat that was certainly more artistic than cultural.

"Nobody's hurt," said the Taoiseach as the circular piece of furniture they were aboard toppled over, causing him and the children to travel south albeit towards the floor and not Cork.

"It must be all those big EU dinners," suggested one cheeky Corkman.

Thanking the Taoiseach for interrupting his busy schedule, Cork 2005 director John Kennedy said it was fitting that Ireland's final day of the EU presidency should be marked by highlighting the next big European project involving Ireland.

Mr Ahern said the awarding of European Capital of Culture to Cork was an honour for all of Ireland and not just the city.

"Cork 2005 will see cultural activity on an unprecedented scale," said Mr Ahern. "It provides the opportunity to celebrate our unique creativity and to continue strengthening our relationship with Europe by showcasing the best of our own and European culture and arts."

However, what the Taoiseach thinks of the contribution of The Langer Song to the city's rich cultural lore remains rather like the contents of the forthcoming Cabinet reshuffle a well kept secret.