When the history of the Government comes to be written, one of its more surprising legacies will be the creation of an Irish version of Britain's National Trust. Concern for the fate of the country house is not something hitherto associated with either Bertie Ahern or indeed the Fianna Fail party and no doubt in some quarters there will be mutterings that the interest has come rather too late. Nevertheless, the Taoiseach was closely involved with the establishment of the Irish Heritage Trust, officially launched at Russborough House by Minister Dick Roche last July. The new organisation is in the process of finding not just its feet but even its offices. Belfast man Kevin Baird, who took up his position as the IHT's director just 10 days ago, is currently operating on a mobile phone out of space provided by the Dublin Civic Trust. He seems happy with this situation.
