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Bertie Ahern campaign diary

Second diary

Following the launch of our Manifesto this morning, I am now set for a vigorous three week campaign. I look forward to meeting the Irish people, discussing issues of concern to them, and setting out our plans for Ireland's future.

This is a future that will see an Ireland that has fairer communities playing a central role in safeguarding the progress made over recent year. Our plans are ambitious yet realistic. Today, we announced targeted proposals which will help young people to start on the property ladder and assist those people who have recently invested in their first home.

Abolishing stamp duty is just one of many proposals that we will begin to implement if re-elected on May 24th. I would encourage Rock the Vote users to log on to our Election 2007 website www.thenextsteps.ie, and read these proposals.

I believe our Manifesto is a blueprint for Ireland's future - not just for tomorrow but for the next generation of Irish people. I look forward to meeting Rock the Vote users over the coming weeks and discussing this blueprint.

First diary

"I am delighted to make my first contribution to Rock the Vote, and join with them in encouraging young Irish voters to play an active role in the upcoming election.

This generation of Irish people is unlike any previous generation. Today, Ireland is a confident and more prosperous nation than ever in the past. Our success over the last 10 years has enabled us to create more and better jobs for young Irish people leaving school and college.

"I readily accept that there is much more that needs to be done, and believe that the young people of today need to become involved in Election 2007, so that they can mould the future of this nation.

Throughout the country we have rolled out our Next Steps Forward campaign for every Irish community. This is focused on securing the prosperity and jobs already made, and sets out ambitious plans for our shared future.

Over the coming days and weeks, we will unveil more of our policies and I would encourage Rock the Vote users to read and discuss these policies for Ireland's future.

On Wednesday this week, we will launch our Environment Policies that Work document. This can act as a blueprint for Ireland to play a lead role in combating the greatest challenge of this generation - climate change.

Although this is my first contribution to Rock the Vote, I look forward to sending updates on our policies and on the progress on the campaign trail.

In the meantime, I would urge young people throughout the country who have not already registered to get themselves onto the Supplementary Electoral Register. Voting is one of the privileges we have in our hard won democracy, I would urge you to use it."