Fianna Fáil meeting: The Government's policies were directed not only at maintaining economic prosperity but building a sense of community and giving people better lives, the Taoiseach told his colleagues yesterday.
At the opening of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting, Mr Ahern said that no matter what economic statistics showed, "we will be poorer as a country if we ever lose the vibrant sense of community that is the force of everyday Irish life".
In a speech designed to broaden the party's economic emphasis of recent times, Mr Ahern said: "Prosperity alone can leave us impoverished in other ways. On the foundation of a hard-won prosperity, we can and will meet the new challenges of the new Ireland; to achieve the brave society we deserve. An Ireland that values community as well as economic growth. An Ireland that gives people not only the chance for a better job, but the chance for a better life."
He said his party was seeking to build a country where "decent, hard-working people reap a just reward from a more prosperous society; a country where every child's potential will be realised and lives will be fulfilled; a country where our environment is treasured and where every talent is nurtured."
This could not be done without a strong economy, he said, resuming the attack on the opposition. "The wrong policies will jeopardise our nation's growth, risk our stability and push us back into high unemployment."
Economic success was allowing the biggest investment and most radical reform of our health service in the history of the State, he maintained. "Cancer care - to name just one area - will be transformed. The increased availability of new treatments is significantly increasing survival rates. Our aim is to ensure that every patient will have a world-class service regardless of where they live."
He said childcare was a key priority as well. "Our debate on this issue will inform our policies as we meet the rising demand for quality childcare."
He said the rate of increase in house prices was beginning to slow down. This was because housing was being built at the fastest pace in Irish history, and at the highest rate in Europe, and supply was beginning to meet demand.
He promised "an integrated system of road, rail and Luas" over the next 10 years and "not only that Ireland keeps working, but that in Dublin, in Cork, in Limerick and in every community Ireland is kept moving".
He stressed that Fianna Fáil was "the Republican Party" devoted to achieving "unity by consent . . . Because I am an Irish republican, no issue means more than this to me. I know about taking hard and at times lonely decisions needed to restore the ceasefires, negotiate the Good Friday agreement and advance the peace process. We must be the first generation to achieve a just and lasting peace. It will take time, but let us move forward with a strong and active faith - in our republican ideals and the Irish people."
He said his party was "a party close to the people". While he listened to experts, he learned more from ordinary constituents and people throughout the country. "As we enter this next phase, as we meet and master the new challenges, Fianna Fáil will be working with and listening to communities across the country.
"And that is why we will win the next election. Our record is better than theirs. Our plans for the future are real and costed. Our vision for Ireland will lead this nation to a better place."