Bertie bows out to chorus of plaudits and a lone critic

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern took leave of the Dáil in typically understated fashion yesterday, preferring to pay tribute to those with whom he had worked rather than outlining his accomplishments.

His mentor, Charles Haughey, had famously quoted Othello when resigning as Taoiseach in 1992, saying: “I have done the state some service; they know’t. No more of that.”

But Mr Ahern left it to others to mention his achievements, instead thanking political colleagues and opponents, the civil and public service, family and friends in a short speech.