EU Deal Is Major Feather In Ahern’s Cap

In shepherding the European Union to a deal on its first constitution, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has pulled off an audacious coup which will be remembered as a historic step forward for the continent.

It will go some way to restoring his battered standing at home following last week's poor European and local election results, and may even boost his chances of emerging as the next head of the European Commission, whether he likes it or not.