Bertie is ideally placed to make a pitch for Europe's plum job

ALMOST 12 months ago the general election campaign was getting into its stride. Within weeks Bertie Ahern had secured re-election as Taoiseach.

Although he was still short of an overall majority he had the option of going back into power with the Progressive Democrats or of cobbling together an alliance of Fianna Fáil ‘gene pool independents’ to support a minority Fianna Fáil government. He took the Fianna Fáil- Progressive Democrat road and that has made all the difference.

It has been an unusual and at times difficult second term so far for Bertie Ahern. Nobody can take from the significant achievement of the re-election of the Government last May. However, the over-spin and showiness associated with the re-election most of it unnecessary given the weakness of the opposition has left the Government with a perception problem with the electorate. It is clear from the opinion polls that this Government has a large task if it is to rebuild trust and support levels.