The Government received barbed birthday greetings from the Opposition parties yesterday as the Coalition celebrated its fourth year in office.
The leader of the Labour Party, Mr Ruairi Quinn, said economic growth was of no benefit unless used to improve the living standards of all citizens.
The deputy leader of Fine Gael, Mr Jim Mitchell, said the four years had been marked by "broken promises, U-turns, failed policies and lapses of leadership".
However, the Taoiseach said Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats, with independent support in the Dail, had provided good government.
"Over the last four years we have been responsible for the most sustained and significant strengthening of the Irish economy," Mr Ahern said.
But Mr Quinn said the Government's tenure in office had been a failure. "There have been no radical departures, no brave leadership and no defining vision."
These had been four failed years. "With energy, passion and commitment this country could have been transformed. Instead, the quality of life of our citizens has diminished."
Mr Mitchell said that despite the unprecedented wealth at its disposal, this Government had failed to tackle the key issues. "Their policies have led to a widening in the gap between rich and poor," he said, after delivering a giant-sized birthday card to Government Buildings.
Fine Gael outlined four promises which it said had been broken by the Government: those made to people with disabilities, patients, victims of crime and children with special needs.
It also highlighted U-turns and policy failures on local government reform, mandatory reporting of child abuse, Luas, Partnership for Peace, inflation and housing.