NI peace 'overriding priority' of long political life

BERTIE AHERN:PEACE HAS "been the overriding priority of my political life", Bertie Ahern said in his valedictory Dáil speech as Taoiseach. "I have given that cause my all," he told the 115 TDs in the chamber yesterday to witness his final contribution as head of Government.

Mr Ahern, who received a standing ovation following his response to tributes from Government and Opposition party leaders, described Northern Ireland as "another place which has my deepest affection".

He said that "all of us in the House have lived through the difficulties that arose in the past. I have given that cause my all. I salute today the leaders of the political parties in Northern Ireland who have travelled the extra mile for peace. They are all friends of mine now. Our journey is not done, but our path has been set."

He also said he was "proud that in a hard-working profession I have earned a reputation for being a hard worker". During "my time as Taoiseach I did not get everything right. I always did my best, however, and worked to the best of my ability for the people. I stood successfully in 12 local and national elections. Public service is a calling and it has been my life's work." He added, to some laughter, "I have enjoyed every day of it - or at least most days".

Mr Ahern spent much of his speech thanking and paying tribute to fellow Ministers and TDs, former colleagues, public servants, advisers, ushers, constituents, family, friends and media. He paid tribute to his "big brothers" Noel and Maurice and his sisters Eileen and Kathleen, who were in the Dáil for the occasion. "I also thank my daughters, who are both out of the country today working hard, which is a good family trait."

Speaking about Northern Ireland, he made special reference to the North's outgoing First Minister, Dr Ian Paisley. "Like me, Dr Paisley will soon leave office and bring to a close a long and distinguished career. He has played a significant role in the history of this island."

He also thanked the Civil Service, for whom "I have the height of respect". Mr Ahern said that "over many years I have found them to be the most impartial, dedicated and talented public service on this continent".

By the time he leaves office on May 7th Mr Ahern said he would be 565 weeks as Taoiseach. Acknowledging the role of TDs, he said they worked "extraordinarily hard to get here and then to remain". He added that "politics is a tough career for office-holders and for those on the front and back benches. There are far easier and more lucrative careers. I think almost every other career is more lucrative."

Paying tribute to all TDs, including the Opposition, he said "they have shaped the fabric of my politics and indeed my life". Mr Ahern said: "I entered politics because I believed it to be a noble profession. Over three decades on I hold firmly to that view which, if anything, is stronger now."

Mr Ahern said he had no doubt "my successor will do our country and this party proud. Deputy Cowen has been a good friend and he will make a great Taoiseach".

He said that "no one in politics could have asked for a better friend or colleague". The Progressive Democrats had been an integral part of the three governments he led, and he said former leader Mary Harney "has my enduring respect and my gratitude for sharing my commitment to a fairer, stronger Ireland". He also extended good wishes to former PD leader and minister Michael McDowell.

"In years to come I will look back with pride on my decision to invite the Green Party into government," he said. Ministers John Gormley, Eamon Ryan and Trevor Sargent and their colleagues "have proven to be politicians of conviction and talent".

The Taoiseach said to the Fine Gael leader, who is "the only politician in the House who has been here longer than me", that "while we have not always agreed politically, I have never doubted your sincerity or your patriotism".

He also paid tribute to Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, whom "I have long admired". Mr Gilmore was "an incisive parliamentarian with a strong grasp of public policy". He added to laughter: "I am pleased to say I have many friends in the Labour Party".

He thanked Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and his colleagues, "who have always engaged constructively with me".

Mr Ahern concluded by quoting a Jesuit priest, Father John Sullivan: "Take life in instalments. This day now, at least let this be a good day. Be always beginning, let the past go. Now let me do whatever I have the power to do."