Kenny told June 12th is likely date for referendum

TAOISEACH BERTIE AHERN has indicated that the Lisbon Treaty referendum will be held on June 12th.

Replying to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, he said: "It seems that the most appropriate date is June 12th, but I will finalise that . . . We have not made a formal decision."

Mr Kenny said he was happy to accept that that would be the date. He had been reflecting that the referendum might be postponed because of the decision by the Fianna Fáil party on a new leader. He added that all parties, irrespective of their position, could now plan their agenda for the referendum.

Referring earlier to Mr Ahern's announcement of his retirement, Mr Kenny said the old saying that a week was a long time in politics had never been more true than it was yesterday.

He said that he had prepared for a different kind of opposition leaders' questions. However, events had overtaken that.

"I want to say to you, Deputy Bertie Ahern, man-to-man, as Taoiseach, I have known you since 1977.

"I watched you rise through your own party to the exalted and privileged office of Taoiseach.

"I have interacted with you, personally and politically, on many occasions over the past 30 years.

"I recall, when we were a little younger, and maybe a little fitter, representing our country against the Brits in Islington, where you played your part at left midfield."

Mr Kenny said he was aware of the pressures which public life placed on people personally, and he knew it was a sad day for him (Mr Ahern) in arriving at his decision.

"When I was elected leader of the Fine Gael party, I stood on this seat and said I would be happy to give credit where credit was due to you, or Ministers in your Government, based on achievements.

"I have not failed in my responsibility on that, and there will be time, I assume, on the formal date of your resignation, to pay tribute to you as Taoiseach for the work you did and the service you carried out on behalf of our country."

He paid tribute to Mr Ahern's work for the peace process and to his unfailing courtesy at all times.

"I welcome the fact that you made this decision, tough and inevitable though it has been.

"From that perspective, this day had to come, and I am glad that you recognise, Taoiseach, that the ongoing work of government was being distracted by events at the Mahon tribunal," the Fine Gael leader said.

Mr Ahern, he said, had always been a pragmatist and understood that night followed day, seasons changed, life and politics went on.

Thanking Mr Kenny for his remarks, the Taoiseach said that they had worked together, although on opposite sides, as good colleagues for 30 years.