Featuring a cast of thousands, the closing number in the Bertie Ahern show was a stunning production, writes MIRIAM LORD
BROADWAY BY the Boyne. As a closing production number, it was stunning. An exuberant star vehicle, in an awe-inspiring setting, choreographed to perfection to suit the leading man.
Make no mistake, it was the Bertie Ahern show yesterday.
His final bow.
After a decade in power, he went out with a bang, leaving the stage to celebratory explosions of gunpowder and a chorus of acclaim.
This was no quiet exit in the manner of his predecessors. Bertie's departure, enjoying an extended run of nearly five weeks, finally happened with such a degree of fanfare and palaver that it was easy to forget he didn't want to go in the first place.
Down through all the years, of all the taoisigh, there has never been a resignation like it. But, even for Bertie Ahern, the curtain had to come down for good eventually. But not before that last big closing number.
Fittingly, in Bertie's case, that closing was built around an opening. Throughout his 10 years, 10 months and 10 days as Taoiseach, he travelled the country over and over, opening things. His last gig - the official opening of the Battle of the Boyne Centre - was a guaranteed showstopper. Everything went according to script. He left his audience on their feet, shouting, sweating and begging for more.
Bertie's Broadway by the Boyne had everything. A box office co-star in the person of legendary performer Big Ian Paisley and a redoubtable leading lady called Baroness Eileen Paisley, who almost stole the show.
It was a very expensive production, with a cast and crew of thousands and a dazzling array of props. There were horses and soldiers, Orangemen in collarettes, mayoral chains, Cabinet Ministers, church ministers, muskets, swords and cannons, a concert orchestra, fifes and drums, ancient relics, schoolchildren, babies in buggies and lots of women in cocktail dresses.
The happiest of swansongs.
Bertie chose to return to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs for his last hurrah. Back to the site of the Battle of the Boyne, where, last year, he walked the ancient field with Ian Paisley, signalling an end to over 300 years of conflict in Ireland.
It was a hugely significant event in the history of the island, an unforgettable occasion rich in emotion, symbolism and hope.
What better place for Taoiseach Ahern to have as a backdrop to his last day in office, with Dr Paisley reprising his winning role and the nation watching the performance live on television.
The setting was magnificent, in the grounds of a great house, facing a natural auditorium bathed in summer sunlight ,with the rich pastures of Meath stretching into the distance.
Everything and everybody was in place when Bertie made his big entrance. He stepped from his car and was greeted by his brother Noel, junior minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, which has charge of the beautifully restored visitor centre in Oldbridge House. They had a brief chat.
"Nice gaff, Noel." Or words to that effect.
The orchestra played, and to the swelling strains of The Blue Danube Waltz, the Taoiseach walked across the gravel to where his Ministers and VIP guests - John Hume and Garret FitzGerald among them - were seated.
Lots of laughter and lots of photographs later, Bertie went to stand by the cannon and prepared to welcome Dr Paisley and his wife Eileen. More applause and happy chat. Big Ian had a gift in his hand, an old leather-bound book, tied up with a bow of gold ribbon.
There were speeches. "Our history need not divide us," said the Taoiseach. "We need to understand our shared history if we are to have a shared future." Swallows dipped and dived overhead.
Preacherman Paisley delivered a powerful reply. He wove together history, poetry and scripture, his distinctive, sibilant voice echoing around the hills. "To the bad old days, there must be no turning back," he declared to thunderous applause from the sunburned ranks of the orange and the green.
As for that book he was holding, it was a King James Bible, printed 77 years after the Battle of the Boyne. "Some time in our retirement soon," he boomed over to Bertie, "we might take a day when I could expound it to you, the way I think it should be expounded." After the ceremony and a tour of the new centre, they walked out to the field towards the marquee. The two men made slow progress, mobbed by wellwishers. "Move back please! Just a little bit of room, please!" shouted their minders.
A reporter from Belfast marvelled at the scene. "Big Ian doesn't even get a reception like this in Ballymena." Eventually, with the help of God and some large policemen, they made it inside. The orchestra burst into Danny Boy, moving many guests to burst into tears.
Bertie couldn't get over the crowd's reaction. "I was always a big vote getter, but I didn't quite think it went as far as Meath."
He said the last time their last visit was an historic occasion. "Today is more special for me, particularly on this day as I prepare to pass the baton of office on."
He welcomed his family, brothers and sisters, daughters and twin grandsons Rocco and Jay. After the formalities, Bertie returned to the microphone.
"Baroness Eileen would like a few words." Mrs Paisley said she couldn't let the moment pass without getting her "penny's worth in". "Thank you so much for the most warm welcome I think that anyone could ever receive in this part of Ireland. May God bless North, South, East and West, every man woman and child, in future days," said the woman, who is credited by many as the influence behind Ian Paisley's groundbreaking change of political direction.
She went down a storm.
It was a wonderful day. Bertie and Ian took refuge from the autograph hunters in a golf buggy. Dr Paisley the first to leave.
Bertie stayed, enjoying his curtain calls, posing for photographs with members of the Orange Order.
Then he returned to Dublin, and an emotional last meeting in Government Buildings with his staff. He left for Áras an Uachtaráin to present his resignation to the President, his car taking a detour through his constituency, where supporters gathered to cheer him.
All part of the production.
There were live broadcasts from outside and inside the Áras. More journalists on hand to record the show. Bertie stayed inside for 20 minutes, chatting to the President. When he emerged, the reporters shouted, pleading for a comment.
"Thanks to you all for following me for so many years, and thanks for your courtesy and slán."
"Thank you!" someone roared back, as the rest shouted questions.
But that was it. He got back in the car as the questions continued. The perfect end, the desired result. He left them shouting for more.
Thank you and good night.
Exit, Bertie Ahern.
A remarkable end to a remarkable career.