'It was a Bertie Ahern election': O'Rourke

Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern is enjoying a stunning General Election victory. These are some of the quotes from friends and foes who recognised his achievement.

“It was a Bertie Ahern election and he won it for us.” – Fianna Fáil veteran Mary O’Rourke leads the tributes to her leader.

“The people decided, I think only in the last week, who they wanted for Taoiseach and they wanted Bertie.”

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams believes voters faced up to a choice between Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny. “I think Mr Ahern is likely to be re-elected Taoiseach,” he said.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte accepted the inevitable as the results rolled in.

“I suppose that is testament to Bertie Ahern’s cuteness at running elections but on the other hand he won’t be around the next time …”

Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s Richard Bruton paid a back-handed compliment to the Taoiseach.

“It is known simply as the ’Bertie factor’ and has silenced the naysayers,” he said.