IRELAND AND EUROPE

by MONITOR
BERTIE Ahern's decision to resign from the Irish premiership was typical of a man who has frequently shown a willingness to grasp political stinging nettles. Tony Blair immediately paid a tribute to him for the role he played in bringing about the Good Friday agreement which was the foundation stone of the power-sharing agreement between Catholics and Protestants which now functions in Northern Ireland. Mr Ahern is currently under investigation for possible irregularities in his personal finances that date back to the early 1990s; he denies the allegations absolutely and such is his personal popularity -- he led his party Fianna Fail to a third consecutive election victory only last year -- he could have remained in office while fighting them. However, he preferred to resign rather than allow the controversy surrounding him to affect the referendum on ratification of the Lisbon Treaty which is due to be held in the Irish Republic in late-May or June. A problem with referendums is that in certain circumstances they can become a vote about a leader rather than on the matter at issue. Mr Ahern planned to lead the “Yes” campaign for ratification of the Treaty but this will now become the responsibility of his successor, probably Brian Cowen, currently Finance Minister. A great deal hinges on this referendum which the Irish government is constitutionally obliged to hold. It is the only referendum being held among the European Union's 27 members and implementation of the Lisbon Treaty depends on Ireland's approval.