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More time to shine WELL, he did it again.
Somehow, against what seemed all the odds, Bertie Ahern has won a record
third successive term as Taoiseach.
Many experts queried whether he could pull off such a feat after a year
in which his personal finances have come under unprecedented scrutiny
and commentators have questioned the ability of the government to sustain
Ireland’s economic boom.
In the meantime, of course, Mr Ahern still has the task of pulling together
a ruling coalition over the next few weeks.
But while he struggles with that little task it is worth looking ahead
to ponder just how history will look back on his time in power.
Yes, there are still some aspects of his leadership that may not find
favour with all. But his achievements now undoubtedly outweigh the reservations.
He has won a third term after steering Ireland through the most prosperous
phase in its history when it has been transformed into one of the most
vibrant countries in Europe.
Added to that is the legacy of the peace process in the North an achievement
which the Taoiseach himself believes outranks anything else he has done.
Those triumphs alone would be enough for history to judge him generously.
Yet it looks certain Mr Ahern will have another five years to add to this
legacy.
If he achieves half as much as he has already done then in all likelihood
future generations will see him as one of the towering figures of Irish
politics.
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