In this episode Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy pore over what comes after Fianna Fáil’s successful 2002 general election amid the ongoing boom. The defeats in local and European elections in 2004, the twin debacles of e-voting and decentralisation, and Charlie McCreevy exiting stage right, all raised questions about Bertie’s decision-making.

This is part three of The Ahern Years. Parts one and two are also available.