Party leaders have paid tribute to outgoing Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in the Dáil today on his last full day in the House in the role.
Mr Ahern announced earlier this month he is to resign from the position of Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil on May 6th. He was elected to lead his party in 1994 and has been Taoiseach since 1997.
Bertie Ahern. File picture.
He noted today he had been 565 weeks as head of government and said that while he had not done everything right as Taoiseach, he had done his best.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Mr Ahern had done the State "exemplary service".
Leaving aside political differences and his ongoing criticism of Mr Ahern over the Mahon tribunal, Mr Kenny said those issues were not the subject of discussion today.
He paid tribute to Mr Ahern's work on the peace process in Northern Ireland and as president of the European Council in 2004 in particular, but noted his ability to juggle the work of a statesman with a focus on his constituents in Dublin Central.
He said the outome of the European presidency, when 10 new states were admitted to the union on May 1st 2004, was a "wonderful outcome" that was in keeping with Mr Ahern's qualities as a negotiator.
Mr Kenny said the Taoiseach's persistence in bringing to a conclusion the Belfast Agreement in 1998 had provided an opportunity for the peoples of the island to live in peace.
He said it was "tough" to relinquish power, particularly when vanity or pride was involved. But he added: "You have none of these problems."
Fame, coverage and opinion polls mattered only to Mr Ahern in terms of what he wanted to achieve, Mr Kenny said.
“You have done the state some exemplary service. You know my views on other subjects which are not the subject of discussion here today.”
Mr Kenny said that too often when paying tribute to a man, one would articulate a list of his achievements. This was one way to measure a man, but it was also a way to "lose sight of the essence of any man" by focusing on such a round of deeds, he said.
One should instead focus on "the mosaic of traits" that make a man what he is.
"One of the key pieces in making up the mosaic that is Bertie Ahern is his unequalled zest for people. There was never a pretence about it. He did enjoy every single contact," Mr Kenny said.
Mr Kenny said Mr Ahern "was never a man who pedalled stories about people who confided in him for help". "He has never been that kind of politician. He is popular, not because he draws attention to himself by being entertaining or anecdotal or great craic but by drawing attention away from himself."
Mr Ahern was, as he had been described before, "the ultimate paradox - a sociable loner", Mr Kenny added.
Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said Mr Ahern was "an extraordinary politician" and his resignation marks the end of a "remarkable era" in Irish politics.
"Your work rate is 24-7 and few if anybody has so seamlessly combined the role of statesman with service to constituents," he said, adding that Mr Ahern was, in many respects, "a lucky Taoiseach".
"You came to office at a time of remarkable opportunity. You enjoyed office during a time of rapid and sustained economic growth – conditions that would have been the envy of your 10 predecessors," he said.
Minister for Health Mary Harney of the Progressive Democrats said the country was a better place as Mr Ahern left office than it was when he took on the role.
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan, representing the Green Party, said Mr Ahern was a "hard working politician" who spent time getting to grips with the detail.
While Sinn Féin's Dáil leader Caomhghin Ó Caolán said he wished to join the personal good wishes to the Taoiseach and praised his courtesy over the years, he said he would not join a "back-clapping" exercise.
Mr Ó Caoláin said he had repeatedly called on Mr Ahern to resign over the "failure" of the Governments he had led to reform the health service.
Incoming Fianna Fáil leader and taoiseach-in-waiting Brian Cowen also joined the tributes and said the "great genius of Bertie Ahern's politics and methodology" had been to extend his appeal beyond the party.
He said Mr Ahern had been a "tremendous strategist".
Deputies gave Mr Ahern a standing ovation as he concluded a speech thanking those with whom he had worked in government, including Oireachtas members, public servants, advisors and friends.
Mr Ahern said that during his time as Taoiseach, while he “did not get everything right” he had always done his best and worked to the best of his ability for the people.
“I have stood successfully in twelve elections, locally and nationally. Public service is a calling and it has been my life’s work,” he said.
Mr Ahern thanked Brian Cowen for his friendship and loyalty and said he believed his successor will be “a great taoiseach”.
On his partners in government, Mr Ahern said the Progressive Democrats had been an integral part of the three governments he led.
He said Mary Harney had his “enduring respect and gratitude” for sharing his commitment to a “fairer, stronger Ireland”. Mr Ahern said he believed in years to come he will “look back with pride” on his decision to invite the Green Party into government.
“Ministers Gormley, Ryan and Sargent have proven themselves to be politicians of conviction and talent. It is my hope that the current government will run its full term and deliver on an innovative and meaningful Programme for Government,” he said.
Mr Ahern concluded with a quote from the Jesuit writer Fr John Sullivan, urging that life be taken “in instalments” and that each day be a new beginning.
“Let the past go. Now let me do whatever I have the power to do.”