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Bertie Ahern was the right man at the right time, but allegations over his finances brought that time to a premature close.
The Irish prime minister was facing a backlash from the voters in the Republic of Ireland, which holds a referendum next month to ratify the Lisbon European Union treaty. There was a genuine fear that the vote could be defeated because of his alleged impropriety.
The greatest achievement of his almost 11 years in office was his part in the peace process over Northern Ireland and the Good Friday agreement. He was also the helmsman who steered Ireland into prosperous waters.
Overall, he will be remembered fondly by the Irish people, providing the allegations are unproven. But if true, there would be an incredible irony that the man who brought prosperity to many in his home country was ultimately undone by accusations over his own finances.
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