Republic of Ireland: Our current government is boring and unimaginative, which in the modern world is quite reassuring. The economy is not what it was, but we weren't going to be at the top of the curve for ever. The last ten to fifteen years has transformed the country, for the better.

Bertie Ahern is a competent, if unexciting Taoiseach. I've always been a Fine Gael voter (more through historical affiliation and general coincidence of viewpoint than for specific policy) but this Fianna Fail government is not causing me to froth at the mouth. (Anyone remember Charlie Haughey? )