New beginnings - Mr Ahern and Mahon

Bertie Ahern steps down today after almost 11 years as taoiseach.

In terms of longevity, he is the second longest serving taoiseach in history, second only to Eamon de Valera. It has been a period of unprecedented political stability, even though his Fianna Fáil party never managed to gain an overall majority in the Dáil under Mr Ahern’s leadership.

Prior to tendering his resignation to President Mary McAleese today, he will preside with Ian Paisley at the opening of the Boyne Centre.