Ahern, true to form, sticks with the same script

IT MIGHT have been high-octane drama (if that’s an appropriate phrase for the Greens) for the past fortnight but its conclusion last night with the naming of the Cabinet was one that might have been ordered by Hollywood executives — make it uplifting, feelgood, non-offensive and 100% bland.

Yes, Bertie Ahern made history yesterday when he became the first taoiseach in more than 60 years to be elected for three successive terms. The opposition acknowledged that yesterday in under-the-breath compliments.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said it was a remarkable achievement and, at his most magnanimous, said he did so without cavils or caveats. But then he spoiled it a bit by adding a couple of cavils and caveats such as Ahern being a lucky general like Napoleon.