There will be no “honeymoon” in the Dáil for Fianna Fáil’s leader designate Brian Cowen, Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore said today.
Speaking after Mr Cowen was formally approved as the new party leader, Mr Gilmore said it was an historic day for Mr Cowen, who will take over as Taoiseach when Bertie Ahern steps down on May 6th.
“However, he will get no Dáil honeymoon from the Labour Party and we will continue to provide the same vigorous and principled opposition to the Fianna Fáil-led government as we did under his predecessor,” Mr Gilmore added.
“Mr Cowen will face very serious challenges in the economic area with a rapid deterioration in the public finances, and unprecedented rise last month in the numbers on the live register, and several other negative indicators.
“His own mishandling of the economy, especially in regard to the construction sector and his dithering over stamp duty have greatly worsened the problems he now faces.”
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny congratulated Mr Cowen on his formal election.
“It is a great honour to be selected to lead your party and I know that this must be a day of great joy and happiness for Brian Cowen, his family and those close to him,” Mr Kenny said.
“While Fine Gael will continue to vigorously work to replace Fianna Fáil in Government, I look forward to co-operating with Brian Cowen in areas where we share a common position, such as the importance of achieving a positive vote on the Lisbon Treaty Referendum.”