A few days ago, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced that he was to step down as both Taoiseach and Uachtaran of Fianna Fail.
The question now is, what happens next?
An Taniste Brian Cowen is already pretty much confirmed as Bertie's successor, which can only be a positive move for Fianna Fail as it shows continuity and unity of thought within the party, but it means losing the infamous "Teflon Taoiseach" who's legacy brought so much to the north.
It will be the 10 year anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement this Thursday. Of the original people involved with it, now only Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams will remain. How will this impact upon the political movement in the north? We'll just have to keep watching.
It's safe to say, however, that regardless of any controversies of late, Bertie achieved that which was thought to be impossible. He was a Taoiseach that made Unionists at ease. Who would have thought it? We only have to look at his developing personal relationship with Big Ian to see how approachable he was to the Unionist people.
Yet now their both gone.
Now I do think that Brian Cowen will do a fantastic job as well as far as relations with this side of the border goes. Yet with the shake-up due to happen in Stormont after the departure of the Big Man, coupled with the change of regime in Dail Eireann, it looks like it could be choppy waters ahead for the North-South relationship.
So long Bertie boy. Thanks for everything, at least as far as the six wee counties up here goes. Let's hope that others can follow your example
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