No 'honeymoon period' in Dáil

OPPOSITION REACTION:THE OPPOSITION yesterday paid tribute to Brian Cowen on his election as Fianna Fáil leader-designate, but it warned he would have no "honeymoon period" in the Dáil.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny congratulated the Tánaiste saying he knew it must be a day of great joy and happiness for Mr Cowen.

"Leading your party is an honour that few people get to experience. I know from personal experience that it bring many new and exciting challenges and pressures, both politically and personally."

Mr Kenny emphasised that his job as leader of the Opposition was to hold the Government to account and he said he would pursue that objective vigorously.

He said he would co-operate with Mr Cowen in areas of mutuality, including the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore also wished Mr Cowen well, saying he faced onerous responsibilities and challenges if, as expected, he is elected taoiseach next month.

"Mr Cowen may well enjoy a honeymoon period with the media and the public. However, he will get no Dáil honeymoon from the Labour Party and we will continue to provide . . .opposition to the Fianna Fáil-led Government as we did under his predecessor.

"The public interest and goodwill that naturally follows the election of a new taoiseach will soon dissipate unless the public see a . . . determination to tackle the growing social and economic problems we are facing," he said.

Mr Gilmore said Mr Cowen had not shown courage in relation to closing off a loophole that resulted in some developers not having to pay stamp duty on acquired land.

"He recently surrendered to lobbying from developers and decided not to implement a key change to the Finance Act. The amendment to the 2007 Finance Act had been introduced at the request of the Revenue Commissioners and was designed to close off a loophole in the law," he said.

The Government said the decision not to adopt that provision was taken on foot of an independent report which found it would have had an adverse effect on the property market.

Mr Gilmore also called on Mr Cowen to move Minister for Health Mary Harney to another department.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin congratulated Mr Cowen and said he would offer a fresh opportunity for a new direction in policy. "I would encourage the new Fianna Fáil leader to inject renewed energy into the all-Ireland political process to . . . promote and prepare for Irish unity."