BRIAN COWEN assumed the mantle of taoiseach-designate yesterday, pledging to devote all his energies to the role and to a reform of public services that will put the citizen at the centre of policy-making. Stephen Collins, Political Editor, reports.
Mr Cowen was formally elected to replace Bertie Ahern at a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party in Leinster House.
"On a personal level I am excited by the challenge, if somewhat daunted by the responsibility," he told a press conference later.
When he arrived for the press conference at the Royal College of Physicians, close to the Dáil, Mr Cowen was greeted with applause and a standing ovation from parliamentary colleagues, family, friends and supporters from Offaly.
In a short speech, Mr Cowen, who will take over the role of party leader and taoiseach on May 7th, paid tribute to his family. He said it was a proud occasion for his wife Mary and his two daughters and a poignant as well as a proud one for his mother May and members of his family.
Mr Cowen responded to questions on the economy, health and public sector reform. Emphasising that he was an advocate of social partnership, he said the Government was committed to reviewing public services through the partnership process. "We are committed to looking at how we can deliver services in that life cycle," he said, "and, where it is not meeting the legitimate expectations of our people, committing ourselves, if necessary, to deconstruct and reconstruct the public service delivery model."
The Tánaiste said the document, Towards 2016, devised in agreement with the social partners, put the citizen at the centre of policy development and that would require everyone to look at reform and change.
Mr Cowen also expressed confidence in Minister for Health Mary Harney and the Health Service Executive. "I believe many of the critics are in fact using their criticism to maintain and defend the status quo. The one thing that we do know about health policy is that the status quo is not sustainable in the long term.
"Mary Harney has shown her determination to proceed with that programme of reform and she does so on behalf of the Government and in compliance with Government policy."
Mr Cowen said the country was not immune to global economic trends but maintained that the fundamentals of the economy were strong and the country was well equipped to handle the current circumstances.
Mr Cowen insisted that the Lisbon Treaty was very important for Ireland and a Yes vote was vital.
"The European Union is critical for the future economic, political and social wellbeing of this country," he said.
Mr Cowen paid tribute to outgoing Fianna Fáil leader and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who, he said, had "lived the job" night and day and was a man of "extraordinary passion, innate courtesy and a huge work ethic".
Asked what his own style would be as leader, he said he hoped to match Mr Ahern, but "we all have our own style in that respect".
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny congratulated Mr Cowen. "It is a great honour to be selected to lead your party and I know that this must be a day of great joy and happiness for Brian Cowen, his family and those close to him," he said.
"Leading your party is an honour that few people get to experience. I know from personal experience that it brings many new and exciting challenges and pressures, both politically and personally."
Mr Kenny added that while Fine Gael would continue to vigorously work to replace Fianna Fáil in government, he looked forward to co-operating with Mr Cowen in areas where both parties shared a common position, such as achieving a positive Lisbon Treaty referendum result.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore also wished Mr Cowen well but warned him of the challenges ahead.
"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 the same vigorous and principled opposition to the Fianna Fáil-led Government as we did under his predecessor."