Coming up on Sunday Live this week - the outgoing Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.

Adam will be looking back at the Irish Premier's 11-year tenure including his invaluable contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland and looking forward at what Mr. Ahern plans to do next.

Also on the show - the Business Secretary, John Hutton MP. He's found time in his busy schedule to write a book called 'Kitchener's Men - The King's Own Royal Lancasters on the Western Front 1915 - 1918'.

The men were largely recruited from John Hutton's constituency - the Furness area of the North West - and this book is a moving history of the training and fighting experience of civilians who became soldiers.

Mike Leigh will be talking about his new film Happy-Go-Lucky and reflecting back on some of his earlier work including Secrets and Lies, Topsy Turvy and the story of the backstreet abortionist, Vera Drake.

Sir Salman Rushdie will be discussing his new book, the Enchantress of Florence as well as divorce, knighthoods and living under a Fatwa.

The author and self-styled grumpy old man Will Self will also be on the show.

This week's paper reviewers are The Green Party's London Mayoral candidate, Sian Berry and the author and Sunday Times columnist Ferdinand Mount.

Click here to read a digest and watch video from this week's Sunday Live programme.

Comments

[carol-ann liverpool 20 Apr 2008 21:58:51]

I think that whatever the rights or wrongs that have caused Bertie Aherne, to stand down, I think his overall achievements have been very beneficial for Ireland's image around the world.
Bertie Ahearne, Bill Clinton and Tony Blair - that other 'holy trinity' struck me how much can be achieved by charismatic, dynamic and determined people at the very height of their powers.
Such a configuration was a rare and wonderful thing.

It also reveals to us, as it also puzzles us, how sometimes the greatest of men have their flaws and weaknesses and, as it turned out, each of them were marked in different ways.

I like the sound of John Hutton's book and I also have asked the question that Adam asked, 'How do politicians find the time to write books'!

But, I kind of know the answer when it comes to John Hutton - strikes me as a man that has time management down to a fine art.
One of the Labour politicians who rarely creates a fanfare but is very worthwhile listening to. Doesn't waste words.

One of the government's best communicators in my view. Quiet, unassuming and effective

As the saying goes: 'if you want something doing ask a busy person...'. .

My granddad served in WW1 and suffered badly from malaria caught in the trenches and he also suffered 'shell shock'. Unemployed during the depression and got a job August 1939 a month before WW2 and fell off a roof while trying to help an elderly work colleague and the ramifications of that impacted on my life, even though he died before I was born. M mum was aged 9 years. The generations that served in the world wars were amazing people, and as a child my granddad's story was related by Nan and I had tears rolling down my face. Had a deep impact on me.

I believe the effects of war don't end with the end of a war, the impact goes on for several generations, so I think the stories about the ordinary men who suffered can teach us a lot even in a much different world.

[T.J. from Ireland 20 Apr 2008 20:00:42]

Well done Adam. I'm glad you asked Bertie Ahern wether they would allow a 'No' vote to stand, this time around for the EU Referendum.
Not like the last referendum, we had though. Bertie obviously learned his lesson from the last time, when he arrogantly told the Irish people they be selfish if they voted 'No'to the 'Nice' Treaty, and the Irish being Irish voted 'No'.

[martin,devon 20 Apr 2008 12:35:23]

Your interview with Bertie Ahern was appaling,Adam constantly interupted and at the end when Mr.Ahern tried to thank him,he just cut him off and went to the ads.I have lost alot of respect for you adam.

[Mentor - Northumberland 20 Apr 2008 11:13:32]

I watched and listened to John Hutton for all of 90 seconds - enough is enough.
The man is a deluded self serving liar!!!!!

Adam - Is there any MP especially a Labour one who could go head to head with a Joe Public?
I say not a cat in hells chance - what say you?

[Mentor - Northumberland 20 Apr 2008 09:00:37]

You could ask John Hutton -
What was the point of the death's of British Soldiers during WWI and WWII?
Also those of the Afghan and Iraq wars as well.

He could write a book from the Traitors Gate, a path they should all walk!

[T.J. from Ireland 19 Apr 2008 16:47:04]

Posted by: alan mcpartland 18 Apr 2008 19:28:42

Oh, I've been able to understand WHAT he's said. It's just that I haven't believed one word of it!!

[Pauric, Shepperton 18 Apr 2008 21:00:02]

Question for Bertie Ahern:

What affirmative action is taken in the Republic to ensure that Protestants from the North are represented in public life? (How many Protestants in the Garda Siochana or the Army?)
How will Ireland defend itself against a 9/11 type attack without any air interception capability?

For John Hutton:

What practical impact does his Department have on his constituency, give examples?

For Mike Leigh:

Would he be able to make a popular, successful, mainstream film dealing with any aspect of modern day British life?

For Salman Rushdie:

Which is his best book?

For Will Self:

How does a common or black or regional opinion-former get exposure in London without being part of the crowd?

[alan mcpartland 18 Apr 2008 19:28:42]

Warn Adam he will need an interpreter for Bertie Ahern. We have been trying to figure out what he's been saying for the past ten years without success.

[Merv. Beszant, Dubai 18 Apr 2008 17:32:38]

Katie,
You do have to say that people like Adam earn their pittance of a salary, and if he falls asleep during his interviews, then it is quite understandable!
At least Gordon isn't on, so maybe he'll last out!