Labour and SF differ on tributes

EAMON GILMORE AND CAOIMHGHÍN Ó CAOLÁIN:LABOUR LEADER Eamon Gilmore said Bertie Ahern's final day in the House as Taoiseach truly marked the end of "a remarkable era" in Irish politics.

"When you were elected to the office of Taoiseach on June 26th, 1997, very few of our friends in the press gallery, or on this side of the House, believed you would hold that office for almost 11 years.

"However, you are an extraordinary politician whose work rate is 24-7. Few, if any, have so seamlessly combined the duties of statesman with service and availability to constituents.

"The Taoiseach has been difficult to oppose because of his consensual ability to embrace and to absorb criticism and to make it appear his own.

"It is not, in any way, to underestimate your subsequent achievements to state you were in many respects a lucky Taoiseach who came to office at a time of remarkable opportunity."

Mr Gilmore said that the Taoiseach could be most proud of his work regarding Northern Ireland.

"Your patience and ability as a negotiator and conciliator were never more needed than in that process."

He added that the Taoiseach's role in the process alone would guarantee his place in Irish history.

"I also wish to pay tribute to his work on the European stage as I am familiar with his commitment to the European project.

"I know, from my own contacts through the party of European socialists, how well you are regarded for your work in Europe by politicians of all political hues."

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said he wanted to join in the personal good wishes.

"I do not want to spoil the bonhomie this morning, but I cannot participate in a back-slapping exercise in isolation of the consideration of the record of governments led by the Taoiseach over the past 11 years.

"I repeatedly called on him to resign, primarily because of the disastrous state of our health services over which he has presided.

"Despite all the successes that are rightfully being attributed to the Taoiseach this morning, that failure has overshadowed his role as head of government for over a decade.

"He and the Government have failed completely to deliver an equitable, efficient and truly reformed public health service."

Mr Ó Caoláin said he wondered how Mr Ahern had become so disconnected from the reality faced by so many citizens, how he had turned his back on the people of Monaghan and elsewhere, never visiting the beleaguered hospital.

"These are serious matters. This week, sadly, the two coincide, as the clear indication of the closure of our hospital as an acute facility has been signalled to take place before the end of this year."