On the day he stepped down as Taoiseach...

8th May 2008

...Bertie Ahern strolled into the National Yacht Club to address the Irish Cricket Union's annual awards night.

As the new cabinet was being announced in Leinster House by his successor Brian Cowen, newly-appointed backbencher Bertie Ahern was shaking hands and mingling with members in the National Yacht Club bar.

Mr Ahern on the balcony of the NYC. Pic: Pat Whelan

Mr Ahern addresses the NYC bar. Pic: Pat Whelan

The former Taoiseach addressed the assembled group with a speech in the bar, and was said to be in 'extremely good form' during his brief visit to the club.

Although Mr Ahern is a return visitor the club, more cynical observers might tie his appearance to recent speculation that he might run for president. As the National is the one club on the Dun Laoghaire waterfront that guarantees free membership to every Irish president, tongue-in-cheek commentators might suggest he was surveying a potential new watering hole.

After a short meet & greet, Mr Ahern was whisked away for a vote in the Dail, and to begin what those joining him assured would be 'a very long night'.

Ahern with Irisn Nationwide CEO Michael Fingleton and NYC manager, Padraic Conneely. Pic: Pat Whelan

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