Dedication, skill and luck of the Irish bears fruit

At midnight tonight, Ireland ends one of the most successful EU presidencies ever, greatly enhancing the country’s reputation, writes Europe Correspondent Ann Cahill

THE sixth Irish Presidency of the European Union ends at midnight tonight and is being hailed as one of the most successful ever.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, with a mixture of luck, political ability and a good civil service, expertly managed the EU's main decision-making body during the past six months.