Ahern re-opens restored zoo building

IN AN interview with this newspaper in 2004, Bertie Ahern declared he had a "very socialist view of life", adding "I have it in my mind that I own Dublin Zoo".

Four years on and hobbling gingerly on crutches following his recent broken leg, Mr Ahern was back to open the refurbished Haughton House at the zoo. It was once the location for its decidedly ramshackle restaurant.

The €2 million refurbishment has seen the building restored to its colonial splendour. It will have a learning and discovery centre for children, a new lecture room - and the balcony looks over the elephant habitat.

The former taoiseach was in high spirits despite his broken leg.

Yesterday, he was reunited with the éminence grise of the peace process Martin Mansergh who is now the junior minister in charge of the Office of Public Works.

Mr Ahern recalled how Samuel Haughton, the 19th century Trinity College professor of physics who gave his name to the building, was an expert on the laws of equilibrium, motion of solid and fluid bodies and terrestrial radiation.

"I think it would be best if I left Martin [Mansergh] to explain because he is absolutely extraordinary on all of these things," Ahern quipped.

Samuel Haughton was also famous for inventing a means of hanging which ensured that the condemned person died quickly.

"I have enough of problems with a broken leg without getting into the theory of broken necks."

Alluding to the first episode of the RTÉ documentary series about his life which was broadcast last night, he said much of the filming took place at the zoo or another favourite haunt, the National Botanic Gardens.

"If the zoo or the botanic garden is mentioned once, send me a text and let me know you've seen it. Maybe I'll be seen running around with monkeys or something," Mr Ahern said.

He will be staying up to watch the US election results.

"I know John McCain very well. I've spoken to Obama. Except I'm reading it completely wrong, the campaign is over and Obama is going to win easily."