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.