'Tireless' work of cardinal praised

The President, Mrs McAleese, and the Taoiseach have led tributes to Cardinal Connell, whose resignation as Archbishop of Dublin was accepted by the Pope yesterday.

Mrs McAleese thanked the cardinal "for his tireless commitment to the Catholic Church and to the people of Dublin during his long years of service to the community".

She expressed her wish that he have "many years of happy and contented retirement".

Mr Ahern said the cardinal's retirement marked "the end of a very significant period in the life of the city and the archdiocese".

His period of spiritual leadership as archbishop had been "marked by times of great change and challenge, as well as development", he said.

"His concerns for the spiritual and physical well-being of his flock, especially the most marginalised, had been evident to all, as has been his personal distress at the pain caused through the betrayal of trust."

Mr Ahern said that Dr Connell's "appointment to the College of Cardinals brought great honour to him and to the people of Dublin".

He wished him "health, peace and contentment in his retirement from pastoral duties".

The Catholic Primate, Archbishop Seán Brady, said he wished the cardinal "many years of happiness in retirement after 16 strenuous but fruitful years as archbishop of Dublin".

He added that "his clear vision, courageous honesty and outstanding integrity were of immense assistance to the Irish Bishops' Conference over these years, and will be greatly missed".

The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, Most Rev John Neill, extended his "prayerful good wishes" to the cardinal as he stepped aside from office.

"I thank him for his friendship, and his attendance at so many functions in the Church of Ireland, and particularly in Christ Church Cathedral."

They also wished Archbishop Diarmuid Martin well.

Mrs McAleese, said he "brings many special talents to the office". His experience had "equipped him well for the many opportunities and challenges facing the Catholic Church today".

Mr Ahern conveyed to Dr Martin his good wishes "as he assumes the heavy burden of office. All have been impressed by his energy and insight during his period as Coadjutor Archbishop.

"He will have the prayers and goodwill of all in facing the demands now placed on him."

Dr Brady also extended his best wishes to DrMartin. "I am confident that under his leadership the great resources of faith and spiritual energy of the people of God in Dublin will continue to flourish and bear fruit."

Archbishop Neill offered his "sincere congratulations" to Dr Martin.

"I have valued the opportunity of talking with him and sharing with him on occasions during this past few months, and I know that we will be able to share in a common Christian witness in the coming years," he said.