The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has promised to commit substantial resources to social issues and work towards creating a fairer society.
Speaking at Fianna Fáil's parliamentary party meeting in west Cork today, Mr Ahern said the economy was in a strong and healthy position and that Fianna Fail was ready to move forward, using resources to generate revenue and help the less well off.
"What we want to do is continue the success we have had in the Irish economy and make sure it is an inclusive policy that helps everybody. We want to have a fair society," he said.
Mr Ahern said his priority had been to stabilise the economy and that now it was in a strong position he was able to focus on certain areas.
Medical cards, social housing, the old, the young and the marginalised, were all listed as priorities and issues on which Fianna Fail would be concentrating.
Asked whether the move represented a move to the left, Mr Ahern said Fianna Fáil was a "centrist" party, with no right and no left.
Mr Ahern was speaking at a party seminar in Inchydoney, west Cork where 110 TDs, Senators and MEPS are attending a two-day seminar billed as a 'think-tank', aiming at revamping Fianna Fáil as a more caring, listening party.
Promises of tax cuts and a less rigorous spending policy are hoped to win over the public while Mr Ahern will urge ministers and TDs to reconnect with local communities.
The Taoiseach's task comes in the wake of disastrous local election results, the worst in the party's history.
The impending Cabinet reshuffle will provide Mr Ahern the opportunity to rally a new set of faces around him and prepare in earnest for the next general election.
Fr Sean Healy, who represents the Conference of Religious of Ireland (Cori) group an umbrella organisation for 125 religious groups, and has been a consistently vocal proponent of tax increases, was invited to address the seminar in a clear indication that Fianna Fáil intends to shift in a more left-wing direction, spending more in areas such as health and education.
He believes higher taxes should be spent on reducing poverty. His keynote address will highlight what he believes to be wrong with the current economic climate and make a series of proposals to redress the balance.
The 58-year-old campaigner admitted he was surprised to have been invited to address the party.
"It seems clear they are interested in the types of things I have to say," he said. "I am delighted to be here and happy to share my views with them."
Those strongly tipped for promotion on September 29th include Ms Mary Hanafin, Mr Dick Roche, Mr Brian Lenihan and Mr Willie O'Dea.
Chief Whip Ms Hanafin said the seminar was about listening to speakers, looking at the issues they focused on and prioritising them.
"We are now in the mould where we are taking on the views of people expressed through canvassing on doorsteps," she said.
"Certainly everyone has more money in their pockets but there are still people who don't benefit as much as others."
She denied claims that Fianna Fáil is particularly concerned with Sinn Fein's overwhelming rise in popularity.
"We are the largest political party in the country," she said. "As we continue to work at local and national level we will look at all competition. It is not done from the position of any one opposition."
As party members congregated at the exclusive Inchydoney Island Spa Hotel earlier, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Brian Cowen used the opportunity to urge parties in the North to take up their responsibilities and move the peace process forward.
Mr Cowen is widely tipped to take on Mr McCreevy's mantle as Finance Minister, but he refused to discuss the reshuffle, claiming it was not a subject TDs would be discussing in Inchydoney.
Meanwhile Minister for Agriculture Mr Joe Walsh, who will retire on September 29th, said for him the seminar represented an end of an era.
"I've represented Cork South West for 30 years so it's an emotional day for me," he said.
"I will very much miss it, it's been the best part of my life for so long, but there comes a point when you have to give other people a chance.
"I made my decision in a rational way, there's no point going out with a chip on your shoulder."