Taoiseach launches Campbell book

When someone describes you as among the top leaders in the world, it's hard to resist an invitation to launch their diaries.

So it was, during a hectic day, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern found time to launch officially Alastair Campbell's account of his years at the side of former British prime minister Tony Blair as his director of communications.

At times, though, it felt like less of a book launch and more like a mutual appreciation society as each complimented the other on his contribution to politics.

In front of an audience in the Merrion Hotel full of politicians and civil servants - including Albert Reynolds, Attorney General Paul Gallagher, a host of Government Ministers and British ambassador David Reddaway - the Taoiseach paid a glowing tribute to Mr Campbell's "brilliance", "unbelievable skill" and "honesty" during their years working together.

It turns out they spent hours talking football, joking and cajoling in between interminable meetings in Northern Ireland and Brussels, developing a mutual respect and rapport for each other.

"I acknowledge your patience," Mr Ahern said. "On many occasions your skill as a communicator and welcome wit helped defuse some of the testiest situations I have ever experienced.

"It's clear that Tony Blair valued you for your honesty and directness - and on occasion I note that he went so far as to describe you as the Roy Keane of his operation. Whatever other people may take that to mean, I can assure that in this country that's a very high compliment indeed."

Mr Campbell, too, laid on the praise. The Taoiseach - whom he earlier compared to former US president Bill Clinton in terms of stature - was an example of a politician in the game for the most noble of reasons. "Politicians are surrounded by 24/7 scrutiny that is so intense and so cynical that it is kind of dehumanising. It actually presents politicians as sort of machines who are doing it for a reason that is almost venal. In fact, most politicians I know - and here's a very good example of one who is driven by the right values and the right things - are just trying to do the right thing."

Mr Campbell confided that he was delighted to see Mr Ahern securing a third term of office.

"I know the Labour Party here is our sister party and maybe I'm speaking out of turn, but I was very, very pleased when I saw the Taoiseach being re-elected, because I thought here's someone who's taken the hits along the way but just keeps going for what he believes in and I don't believe you can ask for more."