Leaders pay tribute to a ‘good friend and partner’

BERTIE AHERN undoubtedly announced his departure from office slightly embittered by the fact that the media has largely ignored his achievements to focus on his finances.

Ironically, however, were it not for the press his departure would barely have registered on the international stage.

The fate of statesman Ahern was prominent on the online editions of the most powerful media organisations in the world within minutes of his resignation speech. Almost all linked his departure to the scandal surrounding his finances.

Most world leaders, however, concerned themselves with Zimbabwe’s elections and the Nato summit in Romania.

But it was his good friends in Britain and in the European Commission who led contributions to his political epitaph.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said at international events Mr Ahern was a “good friend” and one he will sorely miss.

“Bertie Ahern has been an outstanding statesman and has made a historic contribution in helping to bring peace to Northern Ireland, transforming Ireland’s relationship with the UK and playing a key role in the development of a forward looking and dynamic Europe,” he said.

In Europe, commission President Jose Manuel Barroso praised him for his work on the European project.

“He has been a great partner and we have been working very closely,” he said. “Let me praise everything he has been doing for Europe in Ireland and also for Northern Ireland.”

Mr Barroso’s colleague on the commission and Mr Ahern’s former right-hand man Charlie McCreevy, said nothing should detract from the Taoiseach’s political legacy.

“A loyal friend, a tireless TD and community worker, a brilliant organiser and conciliator and, at government level, an outstanding negotiator, healer and tactician.

“Our true friendship and mutual trust was perhaps the most important key to the success of our approach in government,” he said.

On a different note, Scottish first minister Alex Salmond said the Taoiseach was a role model for the leaders of small nations.

“He has never failed to impress me as taoiseach. The accomplishments of the Celtic Tiger economy demonstrate the advantage of being a small independent nation in Europe,” he said.

Elsewhere on the British scene Mr Brown’s predecessor Tony Blair, who shared Mr Ahern’s legacy in Northern Ireland, said we had lost a leader he greatly respected.

He also tipped his hat to the Taoiseach’s role during Ireland’s presidency of the EU.

“He will always be remembered for his crucial role in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland, for transforming relations between Britain and the Irish Republic, and for presiding over a sustained period of economic and social advance in Ireland.

“He will have, deservedly, a central place in his nation’s political history and much more widely,” said Mr Blair. “A remarkable man with a remarkable record of achievement.”

The final piece of the New Labour phenomenon, spin doctor Alastair Campbell, said that, while lots of people take credit for the Good Friday agreement, it was a “massive jigsaw puzzle” and Mr Ahern was a big piece.