DURING HIS second term as Taoiseach between 2002 and 2007, Bertie Ahern first signalled that he would step back from a prominent role on the national stage when he reached 60.
His standard response to questions in interviews was that he would perhaps like to play a role in sports administration.
Unlike some counterparts in other countries, taoisigh have tended to return to relatively low-profile roles after retiring or resigning. The main exceptions have been the former Fine Gael taoisigh, Garrett FitzGerald and John Bruton, both of whom have continued to play active public roles (Bruton is, in many respects, the European Union's ambassador in Washington DC).
Ahern has always been regarded as more comfortable in Ireland than abroad, but that perception shifted somewhat during Ireland's presidency of the EU Council in 2004.
As council president, Mr Ahern assumed responsibility for the shuttle diplomacy that resulted in José Manuel Barroso becoming president of the European Commission. Ahern let it be known that it was a position to which he himself could easily have been selected, if he had so desired.
Since announcing his resignation date, speculation on his future plans has centred on two roles, that of president of Ireland and that of the new role of president of the Council of the European Union - the latter comes into being when, and if, the Lisbon Treaty is ratified.
Mr Ahern has not publicly expressed any interest in becoming president of Ireland. Mary McAleese is to complete her second seven-year term in 2011. If he is interested (and there is no indication that he is) his chances would likely hinge on the findings relating to him when the Mahon tribunal reports on the Quarryvale module.
The timing in relation to the evolution of the European Union may be kinder. The Lisbon Treaty, if ratified, will create the new position of president or chairman of the council of ministers.
The Taoiseach is said to be interested and his name is still being mentioned in this regard. The major stumbling block is how his ongoing dealings with the Mahon tribunal play to other EU political leaders.
