Bertie Ahern plans to remain on as as Taoiseach until at least the middle of 2009 and intends to lead Fianna Fáil into the local and European elections in June that year, writes Stephen Collins, Political Editor
He also expressed the belief that he has plenty left to give to politics and will not consider his future until he is closer to 60.
"It is my intention to lead Fianna Fáil into the local and European elections. I have said from a good while back that if I have the continued support of my colleagues, I will remain as Taoiseach and continue the work which we have been undertaking together over the last three governments," he said in an interview with The Irish Times.
"I believe that although we have achieved a phenomenal amount in government, Fianna Fáil along with our partners, are best placed to meet the challenges which still exist head-on - at local, national, and European level," he added.
"In the local and Europeans in 2004, there is no doubt that Fianna Fáil suffered losses and we lost many good councillors. In the elections in 2009, I hope to lead our party in a strong campaign to win back those seats and obtain an increased mandate for Fianna Fáil in every council nationwide and in the European Parliament."
Asked what he intended to do after leaving office, Mr Ahern (56) said he would give that consideration when he was closer to 60. He will be 60 in September 2011.
"I've always said that I'd like to work in sport at some time. I will always want to be involved in my community so I won't be in a rush out of Dáil Éireann even when I am not Taoiseach," he said.
As to whether he intended to stand for election in Dublin Central again, Mr Ahern said that depended on when the next election was held. "I certainly feel I have plenty left to give to politics and as long as I am fit and healthy, I'd like to stay involved."
When asked if he would consider running for the presidency, which will become vacant in the autumn of 2011 when President Mary McAleese completes her term, the Taoiseach was non-committal.
"I have said in the past that I have huge respect for the office of the President and its important role in Irish life. However, it is not a position that I have given much consideration to.
"As Taoiseach, I have enough on my plate to keep me busy in ensuring that this country continues to grow and that the prosperity we have achieved is spread to every community and person in the country," he said.
Mr Ahern pledged that he would wage a strong campaign for a Yes vote in the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty which he hoped would be held before next summer. He said a No vote would lessen Ireland's influence in Europe and, consequently, "reverse much of the progress we have made over the past decade".
He said it would be his preference to hold the children's referendum on the same day as the EU treaty vote but it would depend on the work of the Oireachtas Committee established to examine the matter and, in particular, on whether it reached an agreed position.
Asked about the impact of the Mahon tribunal on him, Mr Ahern said he was a resilient person and had learned to take the knocks.
"If you are asking me is the tribunal a strain, it's not on me personally but it is hurtful to see my family and friends have their private affairs aired in public solely because they are associated with me. It was frustrating and painful to me and my loved ones to have information sensitive to our family thrown into an election campaign, and also leaked in September 2006.
"I've been encouraged by so many people in all walks of life who tell me they are disgusted by what has happened."