Budget 2005: Fianna Fáil reaction: As Brian Cowen gained political ground Micheál Martin is said to have looked sick, writes Mark Hennessy.
During Charlie McCreevy's reign in the Department of Finance, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, sometimes looked more a spectator than a player on budget day.
On Wednesday, all had changed. Shortly after Mr Cowen's maiden Budget speech, Mr Ahern interrupted Mr Richard Bruton of Fine Gael to rebut his criticisms of the decision to cut stamp duty on second-hand houses for first-time buyers.
By late Wednesday Mr Ahern made sure he was available to tape an RTÉ Morning Ireland interview to put his fingerprints on promises to curb tax dodgers next year. "This is a Bertie Budget. His strong influence is there. He is back in control. He and Cowen are working together, not against each other," said one minister.
One seasoned Fianna Fáil backbencher agreed: "It isn't a Cowen Budget. It is a Bertie/Cowen Budget. The two have worked together for long enough to know what each wants."
Last night Fianna Fáil backbenchers went back to their constituencies in better form than they had for nearly two years. "I slept better last night than I have done since before June 11th," said one Dublin TD.
For months they had been taking it in the neck from constituents about hospital beds, accident and emergency services, disability services, the Community Enterprise Scheme, and much else. The CES has now been partially protected, while the disability fund offers TDs ammunition to fend off attacks. Problems remain by the score, but Fianna Fáil is confident again.
Almost every constituency was reached as Mr Cowen sought to repair the damage caused by the party's perceived drift to the right in recent years.
In the past Mr McCreevy has caused difficulties for the Government with his reforming zeal, which, though often justified, was often arrogantly conveyed. In particular, he annoyed backbenchers by failing to meet them over local concerns, and appearing not to listen properly when he did.
Mr Cowen has not made the same mistake. "He is more approachable than McCreevy. He spends more time around the Dáil . . . He can be seen having a drink with colleagues in the Dáil bar. He likes the place. You can go up to him and talk to him," said one Dublin FF TD.
The "softly, softly" approach adopted in the Budget has made life difficult for the Opposition, which has struggled in its criticism of the changes. Furthermore, it faces two more budgets before the next election, each of which will be more ruthlessly political than the last. Expect few new ideas, but more largesse.
Inevitably, the Budget will be seen as Mr Cowen's opening bid to be the natural successor to Mr Ahern, even though a vacancy is unlikely for some time. If he has a problem waiting, he hides it well.
"If Fianna Fáil is back in power after the next election, then clearly Brian Cowen's budgets will have had a lot to do with getting us there. The job is there for him to lose," said one colleague.
However, the Offalyman has never displayed his eagerness for the top job. "He will never challenge Bertie. Bertie knows that. That is why they work well together," said one TD.
Though the majority of the public has yet to warm to Mr Cowen, who has, up to now, displayed his gruff side, most Fianna Fáil TDs like him immensely.
"Cowen reaches parts that others can't. He is always the guy to call on nights when FF is in trouble. He will come in and rally the line," said one supporter.
Though the leadership race may be a long way away, there is no doubt but that Mr Cowen is "10 steps ahead of the posse", as one Cabinet colleague said.
Mr Micheál Martin, his main competition, will have been only too aware of the ground gained by Mr Cowen. "He looked sick," crowed one Martin enemy - and he has more than a few inside the parliamentary party - yesterday. "He is behind and going further behind. And he knows it."