It seems everywhere you turn in Ireland these days that former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern is appearing at openings, making speeches about various issues and generally getting his face into the newspapers as much as ever.

The role of former leaders in Ireland is usually to fade into the background, but Ahern shows no sign at all of doing that .No doubt his successor Brian Cowen is less than pleased.

Indeed, Irish television recently featured a four-part series on Ahern's life and times. But the Mahon Tribunal, set up to investigate his finances, still has to report.

The word is that Ahern is maintaining the high profile in order to run for president in two years when Mary McAleese's term is up.

He would certainly be a strong contender, but the future for him may depend on the Mahon report.

The Teflon Taosieach, as he was known, may well defy the odds again however, and must be rated favorite to succeed to the Phoenix Park job if he runs.