Bertie Ahern was today preparing to bow out of Irish political life - after
another trip to the banks of the Boyne.
And he was being joined by First Minister Ian Paisley, who is also expected
in the next few weeks to walk off into the history books.
The political leaders were gathering at one of the island's most
historically symbolic site to mark the end of an era and say farewell while
both men are in office.
Mr Ahern was officially opening one of his most cherished projects, a
visitor centre at the Boyne, accompanied by many colleagues from the Dublin
government.
It was the third time the two former political rivals have me on a
one-to-one basis since devolution returned to Northern Ireland a year ago
this week.
But their friendly relationship was sealed during the St Andrew's
negotiations 20 months ago when the Taoiseach presented Mr Paisley with a
special gift for his golden wedding anniversary — carved from a tree in the
Boyne river.
Mr Paisley returned the compliment by presenting Mr Ahern with an historic
musket gun.
When the island wakes up tomorrow Mr Ahern will still be Taoiseach but he
will leave the Boyne event today to formally tender his resignation to Irish
President Mary McAleese.
That will not kick in until the Dail formally endorses Brian Cowen as
premier tomorrow.
Mr Paisley is expected to welcome Mr Cowen as the new incumbent at
tomorrow's investment conference.
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