Tributes were paid to former Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, who yesterday marked his last day in the Dáil after 35 years as a TD.Bruton's last day in Dáil
Mr Bruton will be the EU's ambassador to the US, and his party leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said he had given "outstanding service over a long period to the people of Meath and to his country".
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern thanked him for the work he did over a number of years "but particularly for the work he did on the EU Constitution". Mr Ahern said "his courtesy has always been outstanding and I wish him well in Washington".
Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, paid tribute to him as a "cerebral politician who has thought deeply about many of the issues that confront our country and our people".
The Green Party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent and Mr Aengus Ó Snodaigh of Sinn Féin also wished him well. Mr Bruton's constituency colleague Minister Noel Dempsey said "if he is as assiduous in Washington in looking after the affairs of Europe as he was in Meath in looking after the affairs of his constituents, Europe will be well-served".
Thanking his colleagues and the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton recalled negotiating with Mr Ahern "when he was on the flat of his back in bed" because of a back problem.
Mr Bruton visited Mr Ahern who was Opposition whip. "I had to negotiate with him in a horizontal position as they might say, but there was no jogging involved."