Taioseach to resign

[Banquo's Ghost]

Now then Banquo , do you think was it the secretary that finally done him ?

I thought he was ahead again yesterday when those rulings against the Mahon tribunal went his way.

Ahern's resignation only prompts selection of a new Taioseach by his party, not a general election, yes? Is there an heir-apparent?

Sadly, there is. The tanaiste, Brian Cowen is popular in his own party and likely to get the leadership. The opposition once described this gentle soul as "the only man left in Ireland who still believes Ahern" after his defence of his beloved leader.

You guys do seem to get some dodgy characters as Taoiseach. Wasn't Mr. Potatohead in it up to his armpits as well?

It's pretty much part of the job description, under perks. (What we need is a "rolling in filthy lucre like a pig in " smiley. Just think of the usage it would get.)