Ahern hails Coalition successes

The Taoiseach catalogued his Government's achievements, claimed the mantle of republicanism and pledged to remain in office until…

The Taoiseach catalogued his Government's achievements, claimed the mantle of republicanism and pledged to remain in office until June 2002 in a low-key address to the weekend Fianna Fβil Ardfheis.

Hailing his Government as "the most successful partnership government in the history of the State", he said it would continue for its full five-year term. He maintained the Government, therefore, had eight months left to run, which would bring it to June 2002.

He defended the Coalition's record on health, the issue on which the Opposition is concentrating most of its criticism. He acknowledged it was an area where the Government faced "great challenges ahead".

The foundations for dramatic improvement in the health area were being put in place, he said.

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The Government's forthcoming health strategy document would be the final step in this process. He also took the opportunity to attack Sinn FΘin, which threatens party seats in a number of key constituencies. He condemned "physical force vigilantes, with their contempt for human rights".

He confirmed yesterday that this was a reference to Sinn FΘin about whom, he said, such complaints had been made in constituencies where they are active.

He predicted that weapons decommissioning would take place shortly. "The time is approaching when arms will finally be put beyond use, to allow the continued operation of inclusive democratic institutions."

Claiming the republican tradition for his party, a theme repeated through yesterday's State funerals, he said: "We in Fianna Fβil represent the honourable, living and inclusive republican tradition of this State." He also attacked the main Opposition parties and Fine Gael in particular.

He said Fine Gael/Labour coalitions had given only "minimal" tax relief and a "rock bottom £1.50 per week" rise to pensioners in 1995.

Mr Ahern received a muted response from delegates after outlining his plan on the abortion issue. However, he received an enthusiastic cheer for his stated wish to see the National Stadium built.