Bertie Ahern

Bertie Ahern was Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland) from 1997 to 2008, winning an unprecedented three terms in office. He played a significant role in the negotiations that led to the signing, in 1998, of the Belfast, or Good Friday Agreement that brought an end to the period of conflict known as the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.

Mr Ahern and his UK counterpart, Prime Minister Tony Blair were jointly awarded the 2003 Thomas J. Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Rights for their work on the Good Friday Agreement to promote peace between Britain and Northern Ireland. On 22 May 2008, Mr Ahern and Mr Blair were both awarded honorary doctorates by Queen's University Belfast in recognition of their roles in the peace process.