Dermot AhernPosition: Minister for Foreign Affairs
Age:52
Party:Fianna Fáil
Constituency:Louth
Political career:First elected to the Dáil in 1987, he is another of the intake of 20 years ago who hitched their political wagon to Bertie Ahern. His first promotion came from Charlie Haughey who made him government chief whip. Under Ahern, he was minister in two departments before his appointment to the Department of Foreign Affairs. This came at a critical time in the peace process and he acquitted himself well as a "safe pair of hands".
Immediate challenges:With the Northern institutions restored, Ahern's main focus will be on foreign policy, where policy differences with the Greens could require mediating skills.
