When German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder was in Dublin recently on his round of EU capitals to prepare for the Berlin summit and the fallout from the Commission resignations, he had long talks with the Taoiseach. Bertie Ahern didn't let him away without having a couple of pints in O'Donoghue's around the corner from Government Buildings. The picture of the two leaders holding their glasses and listening to Ronnie Drew singing away was widely seen. All seemed contentment itself. Not so. The picture caption said the Chancellor and the Taoiseach were enjoying a pint of Guinness. Gerhard maybe, but not Bertie. Bertie drinks Bass, and Bass was less than pleased that the pint of Bass so obviously in his hand was not identified as such.
Indeed, Tennents Ireland has told The Irish Times that on the very day, March 19th, O'Donoghue's was asked to ensure that Bass was in stock as the two leaders would be calling in for a drink.