Bertie was one of my favourite leaders: Blair

TONY BLAIR says Bertie Ahern was one of his “favourite political leaders” and a “true friend” who was “cunning in the best sense” and “heroic” throughout the peace process.

In his newly published autobiography, Mr Blair lavishes praise on Mr Ahern, saying the former Taoiseach had the crucial quality which defines great politicians – being a student of history rather than a prisoner of it.

Surface elements of both men’s premierships were remarkably similar: both came to power in 1997 and went on to lead their parties to three consecutive terms in office. Both were also forced out of office before the end of their third terms, however, in each case making way for their respective finance ministers.