Ahern wins third term as Irish premier

Bertie Ahern has been re-elected as Ireland’s prime minister for a third successive term, cementing his position as one of the republic’s most successful politicians. Ahern was re-elected Taoiseach at the first meeting of the 30th parliament on Thursday with the support of a number of independents along with a three-party coalition, which includes the Progressive Democrats.

The centrist Fianna Fail leader has brought the Green Party into government for the first time – a reflection he said not only of his desire for a solid parliamentary majority but also his own anxiety over the environment. In return for backing Ahern, the Greens secured two cabinet posts overseeing energy and environment policy.

After receiving his seal of office from Irish President Mary McAleese, Ahern reiterated that this would be his last term in office.

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