Bertie revealed yesterday evening that he has been offered, or at least in discussion about, a role as an international conflict mediator over the course of his trip.

ON THE last day of his US visit, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern revealed that he had received approaches “at the highest levels” about a role for him in international conflict resolution after he steps down from office…

“It has been raised at the highest levels all week,” he told reporters after his last official engagement of the visit at the library.

 It is an interesting development politically, as any signal from Ahern that he would prefer to remain at the top table rather than return to the background of backbench politics for 4 years or so would precipit a by-election in Dublin Central. It might also see him reunited with Tony Blair in some international capacity as a mediator. Would it work? Would it be possible to replicate the Irish formula? Can we be trusted as independent mediators?

These are interesting questions which should hopefully be answered as the Irish Government begins to fund its policy of focussing on conflict resolution.

Any of our American friends looking for some more background on the Taoiseach would do well to read the excellent profile of him over at The Dail Ministers.