Bertie Ahern

Bertie Ahern, Ireland's prime minister, has had an incredible political career. The TD for Dublin North Central since 1977, the Taoiseach has been at the very centre of the Irish political scene for two decades. Brought into Charles Haughey's inner circle and made government whip, he quickly built up a powerful political base and became the highest vote-getter in the country by the mid-'80s. Later described by Haughey as "the most skilful, the most devious, the most cunning of them all", Ahern's ruthless takeover as leader of Fianna Fail put him in an unassailable position of power. This biography delves into the complex world of Irish politics, examining Ahern's rise to power, his complicated personal life, his allies and enemies and his vital role in the peace talks.