Chirac departure makes Ahern third-longest-serving EU leader

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will become the third-longest serving EU leader in May when French president Jacques Chirac steps down.

The Dublin-born TD, who has been in office for 3,542 days, is aiming for a third consecutive term after the forthcoming general election, expected within two months.

Mr Chirac, the second longest-serving EU leader, announced tonight that he would end his 40-year political career on May 16 and give way to a presidential successor.

Tony Blair has also vowed to also vowed to step down before September.

The longest-serving EU head of government is Luxembourg premier Jean Claude Juncker, who has been in power since 1995.

Mr Ahern, who came to power in June 1997, said he planned to leave politics in 2012 when he turned 60.