Ahern resigns

Praised for his statesmanship, but scandal forces Ahern to step down
The Independent

Bertie Ahern's decade of domination of Dublin politics came to a sudden end yesterday when he dramatically announced his resignation as Irish Taoiseach and leader of the Fianna Fail party. He is to step down early next month as the financial sleaze controversies surrounding him show no sign of abating.

While there had been speculation that he might leave office this year, his move took most by surprise since he has been battling on, both in the courts and in an official tribunal.

News of Mr Ahern's departure received a mixed reaction in the Irish Republic but drew warm tributes from Gordon Brown and Tony Blair as well as, more surprisingly, compliments from Northern Ireland Unionists such as the Rev Ian Paisley. The favourite to succeed him is the experienced Brian Cowen, who was Minister for Foreign Affairs and is currently Finance Minister.

Mr Ahern was insistent that despite the welter of allegations concerning his financial affairs he had never taken a corrupt payment, declaring: "I know in my heart of hearts that I have done no wrong."

It has nonetheless become obvious that his explanations for a series of unorthodox money transfers were not believed by the public and that the issue was causing increasing concern within his own party.

Last May he led Fianna Fail to a historic third successive general election win. At that point he appeared master of the political scene after ten years as premier. He will be remembered for his contribution to the peace process which has led the Northern Ireland troubles to rest, and for his capable handling of the unprecedented boom in the Irish Republic's economy.

He can however expect to face further attention from the official tribunal which has for years carried out the most exacting scrutiny of his unconventional financial affairs. He has mounted a robust but ultimately unsuccessful defence of his behaviour.

Mr Ahern's credibility has been severely dented by revelations from the tribunal and it is not known whether further damaging disclosures are on the way. He announced his departure at a hastily-arranged news conference at Government Buildings in Dublin, flanked by senior ministers. Mr Ahern, who appeared emotional, was later given a standing ovation when he appeared in the parliament chamber.