Viewers of RTE's soccer show The Premiership are advised not to adjust their sets tonight when a new addition to the commentary panel is unveiled.
For one time only (we're promised), the nation will see the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, grilled on those questions it really wants answers to: Is Roy Keane the best player on earth? Can the Republic qualify for the World Cup? And how will Manchester United's defence hold up in the post-Japp Stam era?
Mr Ahern is to address these issues and more when he lines up with John Giles on a panel to face the imposing Eamon Dunphy, an often vitriolic critic of the Taoiseach's favourite team, Manchester United.
The move is being seen as something of a political gamble, as the Taoiseach runs the risk of not only drawing Dunphy's ire but disenfranchising the Republic's burgeoning Anyone But United (ABU) fan base.
As if wary of the damage an overly partisan performance could do, a Government spokesman said: "We are looking forward to the Taoiseach giving an unbiased report on the Manchester United game."
Two chances, one suspects.
In the course of the hour long show (Network 2, 6.55 p.m.), the Taoiseach is to offer "expert" analysis on two Premiership games: Chelsea v Arsenal and Manchester United v Everton. He will also be interviewed on his own footballing history with schoolboy and amateur teams in Drumcondra, Dublin.
"I know he's a real football fan. He played for Drums (Drumcondra United) and knows his sport," said Mr Dunphy, explaining why the invitation was made. He said they won't be discussing political issues such as the proposed "Bertie Bowl" Stadium Ireland project. Instead, he said, "we'll just be dealing with the matches and his own history as a Sunday morning soccer player. It'll be like three fellas chatting in a pub."
A spokesman for RTE said the Taoiseach's appearance was planned as a "once off". However, he said, the station was considering using other celebrity guests to add "variety" to the traditional sports panel formula.
