Rides of Heads of State (Part 5)

Today, we cover six cars which exemplify the character of their owners' respective countries.

22. Ireland. Bertie Ahern's new S350 tells us a lot about Ireland and the present regime. First, Irish nationalism and pride would never allow the Taoiseach to ride in a Jaguar. But more importantly, the choice of the new W221 platform mated with a 241 horsepower 3,724 cc V6 is even more telling. Ahern is credited for making the Irish economy boom in recent years, i.e. the Celtic Tiger. Owning the new W221 is a sign that Ireland has arrived as a junior economic power. Mating it with a moderately powered V6 exhibits fiscal restraint and practicality.

23. Sri Lanka. President Rajapakse, a left-of-center Buddhist and one-time human rights lawyer, is smart but not practically-minded. During his tenure as president, he has failed to use his intelligence to achieve peace with the Tamil Tigers or properly deliver aid to the tsunami victims. Likewise, his E38 BMW is a smart car, but not very practical in Sri Lanka, where many roads are flood prone, in disrepair, or littered with large farm animals. Perhaps a Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol would better suit the head of the socialist republic?

24. The Netherlands. Financially, people perceive the Dutch in a dichotomous manner-- as either successful businessmen or as cheap bastards. Well, in this round at least, the successful businessman side of the Dutch persona won. Prime Minister Balkenende, a right-of-center Christian Democrat, splurged, and raised a few eyebrows, when he took delivery of a 400,000 Euro 760Li. Well, at least it beats his friend Ron Weasley's Trabant.

25. Malawi. Not much is known about Malawi except that it is poor and at least 20 percent of its surface area is covered by water. President Mutharika, by choosing a Land Cruiser, rejected the WaBenzi lifestyle and accepted the reality that as the leader of an infant democracy, he is always treading on water.

26. South Korea. As an East Asian economic powerhouse with a vibrant automobile manufacturing sector, it's a no-brainer that President Roh rides in Hyundai's flagship, the Equus. But to declare that it is better than the Lexus LS, Audi S8, et al., is going a bit far, dontcha think?

27. Algeria. Up until 2002, Algeria was mired in a low grade civil war. President Bouteflika had reason to fear for his own safety. No doubt his white W140 Mercedes is properly armored to protect him from small arms fire and the errant RPG. But does it offer protection from swift kicks by ticked off middle aged men?

CKY