Cowen and Harney pay tribute to abilities

GOVERNMENT REACTION:TÁNAISTE BRIAN Cowen and Minister for Health Mary Harney yesterday paid tribute to what they said were Mr Ahern's enormous skills as a coalition builder and Government leader.

Both remarked on Mr Ahern's political ability and paid tribute to what was described by Mr Cowen as his "incalculable" commitment to his work.

Ms Harney, who was appointed tánaiste and minister for enterprise, trade and employment by Mr Ahern in 1997, said on RTÉ's News at One yesterday that Mr Ahern had "enormous capacity" to understand the needs of coalition partners, particularly those in smaller parties.

She firmly believed "the Progressive Democrats would not be in Government 11 years on" were it not for the skill and dedication of the Taoiseach.

Commenting on what she described as yesterday's "very dignified" announcement by Mr Ahern, Ms Harney said she could not imagine anyone else who could make such a statement after spending an hour discussing the Lisbon Treaty, then follow it by "business as usual" at the Cabinet level.

"I think there will be great relief for him personally that he can now get on with his life.

"He literally was almost a 24/7 politician. The man has given everything to politics, to political life, and to the running of the country."

Mr Cowen, who is tipped to become the next leader of Fianna Fáil and Taoiseach, said Mr Ahern's contribution to the creation of a "peaceful, successful, confident and modern Ireland" had been incalculable.

He said the Taoiseach had "once again put the interests of the nation first".

Listing the Taoiseach's achievements, he outlined Mr Ahern's work on the peace process in Northern Ireland and the EU presidency in 2004.

Mr Cowen also noted Mr Ahern's forthcoming address to the US joint Houses of Congress on April 30th.

He said that it was an "extraordinary honour rarely bestowed". "He has enhanced Ireland's standing in the world," Mr Cowen said.

On a personal level, the Tánaiste said he wanted "to thank him for his comradeship, his courtesy and his commitment to our political cause.

"Never have those traits been more in evidence than in the decision which he has announced today," Mr Cowen told News at One.

"From when he first entered government he has served Ireland's interests with a commitment and drive unequalled by anyone of his political generation. His enthusiasm and energy levels never dimmed.

"He has played the major role in charting an economic, social and political course for this island during his tenure as Taoiseach.

"His application, his political judgment, his determination and his conciliatory manner are among the special characteristics that helped him to shape the Ireland we live in today.

"And I expect that, in time, those attributes will find a new home where they will have the same powerful impact they have had in his life's work to date."

Mr Cowen expressed his appreciation for the opportunities Mr Ahern had given him to serve in government over the last 11 years.

"Political life is challenging. It has become more so during my time in Dáil Éireann and to have worked closely with someone of Bertie Ahern's particular talents has been a most valuable experience.

"It has been a privilege to serve under him."