CARING FOR people on the margins of society would be a key priority during his term as Taoiseach, Brian Cowen told thousands of well-wishers at an open-air rally in Tullamore on Saturday afternoon.
Continuing the weekend-long celebrations yesterday with rallies in Birr and Ferbane, the newly-elected Taoiseach again emphasised the importance of social inclusion and how we should all as individuals help society to develop.
In an unscripted address in Tullamore on Saturday, Mr Cowen promised to be a Taoiseach for all the people, and "not just those who support me".
"Every citizen of this Republic is entitled to my loyalty. I will work with you day and night to make this a better country, a country which will put the citizen at the centre of our concern," he said.
Mr Cowen said that Ireland had changed from being a country with its people dispersed around the world to one of the most diverse nations in the world.
If social inclusion was to be achieved, then people would have to cherish community and "reduce the tendency to self-interest and individualism".
As in other speeches throughout the weekend, Mr Cowen spoke of the legacy of Seán Lemass and his practical patriotism, which had resulted in a changed economic landscape.
Mr Cowen added that Ireland had an important role to play in the world and in the wider EU community.
Mr Cowen stressed the importance of a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum, as he did at similar rallies in Edenderry and Clara on Saturday.
"Say yes to openness, yes to the new Europe and yes to the end of totalitarianism and don't listen to those who say we will be overwhelmed." Later on Saturday, Mr Cowen was given a civic welcome by Offaly County Council, which was attended by more than 300 civic and community leaders.
In Ferbane yesterday, Mr Cowen was met at the town's library by scouts, girl guides, members of Foróige and local schoolchildren, who led him through the town to the heritage centre. The Taoiseach highlighted Ferbane's success in overcoming the closure of its ESB power station and the strong community spirit that led to the development of a very successful business park.
In Birr, that theme was touched on again when the Taoiseach addressed the faithful in Emmet Square.