Few would have predicted the downturn ahead when the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the then US president, Mr Bill Clinton, created digital history at Gateway's flagship Dublin plant less than three years ago.
The technology sector was booming and dotcom was shorthand for guaranteed business riches as the duo became the first heads of state to sign a joint communique using electronic signatures rather than traditional pen and paper. And both were aware of the powerful symbolism of their action.
The communique presented Ireland as a key player in international e-business, prompting the then president to label it "a technological capital of Europe". The Taoiseach noted the importance of American technology companies to the economy. The venue reflected just how valuable this relationship could be.
The signature itself, powered by technology from Irish company Baltimore Technologies, was hailed as a highlight of an already historic presidential trip. Digital signatures had not yet been widely accepted as a reliable form of authentication in the commercial world and such a high-profile use of the technology was viewed as a significant boost to its acceptance.
Such optimism is a little harder to find today as Gateway's entire Irish workforce faces unemployment and Baltimore struggles to drag itself out of a prolonged spate of negativity. Baltimore's chief executive, Mr Fran Rooney, resigned last month and the company is expected to announce major job losses in coming weeks. It is accepted Baltimore must severely cut outgoings if it is to avoid running out of cash before being able to break even.
Global demand for the digital signature technology used at the Gateway plant in 1998 has slumped in line with the general technology downturn.
