Another string for Bertie’s bow

“DR AHERN, I presume ...”

This will be the new greeting Taoiseach Bertie Ahern can expect when he struts the national and international political stages.

No, Mr Ahern has not suddenly swapped politics for medicine - the source of his new title is an honorary doctorate degree which he was awarded by a Scottish university yesterday.

The University of Aberdeen gave the Taoiseach and honorary degree of Doctor of Law for his outstanding contribution to Irish and European politics.

Mr Ahern was given the award for breathing new life into the Northern peace process and his excellent negotiating skills.

Professor Tom Devine, Glucksman Research Professor in Irish and Scottish Studies at Aberdeen University, said: “There is clear evidence, in terms of Bertie Ahern's record - both domestically within Ireland and more broadly in Europe - that this is a person who deserves recognition.”

The Taoiseach negotiated and signed the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

And more recently he was President of the European Council, negotiating the acceptance of the European Union's first ever constitution.

Prof Devine said: “Mr Ahern was responsible for breathing new life into the peace process after a period of great difficulty which saw the breakdown of the IRA ceasefire in 1996.”

And his negotiating skills, contacts with the main players, lack of historical baggage, and ability to understand his opponent’s point of view were all basic elements in this, Prof Devine said.

Mr Ahern said he was delighted to receive the honorary degree from a country that played an important role in helping to build bridges over political and sectarian divides.

After the ceremony, Mr Ahern said he hoped the devolved Northern Ireland Assembly which was suspended in October 2002 could be restored after negotiations with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the main political parties in September.

“It is important that we do make another effort in September,” Mr Ahern said.

On a lighter note, the Taoiseach said: “the Scottish and Irish share much in terms of our cultural heritage and it is important that we preserve and strengthen those links.”

And his parting word to the new Aberdeen University graduates: “Enjoy the day and do what the Irish do best in celebration... but perhaps I had better not say that.”