There is always something of an air of fiesta when a new Government takes office, the more so when it is headed by a first time Taoiseach supported by a first time Tanaiste. There is a sense of new beginnings, new ideas and fresh promise. And there is the bustle and glamour of new Ministerial appointments, gleaming State cars and well tailored suits.
All of it was there yesterday in Leinster House with added dashes of colour from some of the newly elected members, most spectacularly South Kerry's Mr Jackie Healy Rae. There was also a sense of things coming into place at least from a Fianna Fail perspective. Mr Bertie Ahern takes over as Taoiseach of the 28th Dail with a great deal of good will. The cup of power was dashed from his lips in 1994 when the Labour Party withdrew its support from Fianna Fail to form the Rainbow Coalition with Fine Gael and Democratic Left. Even his political rivals recognised the poignancy of his circumstances at that time.
That loss has been restored, albeit in a minority Government arrangement with the support of various independent deputies. It is not the strong administration with a clear Dail majority that many would have wished for Mr Ahern on his first innings as Taoiseach But it may prove more stable than its critics would wish. The Progressive Democrats have been reduced in their expectations but they have been generously treated by Fianna Fail and there is little likelihood of their forcing ideological issues. The Independents who have supported Mr Ahern seem to have struck attractive deals and will be in no rush to incur the costs - and risks - of another early election. The life expectancy of this Dail could turn on the outcome of any by elections which may occur, either strengthening Mr Ahern's position or reducing his pool of support.
This Government faces singular challenges. It will preside over decisions which will shape the lives of generations to come in Ireland. It must build upon the present economic boom. It has to lead this State to new arrangements in Europe, most critically to economic and monetary union. It has to move with Mr Blair's government to a settlement or to new arrangements in Northern Ireland. And it has to commit itself to social and economic policies which build consensus and a sense of equity among all sections of our people. The joint programme promulgated last week with the Progressive Democrats represents a good template, if vague in places. If Mr Ahern and Ms Harney can fulfil its promise, both in spirit and in the letter, they will successfully discharge their stewardship.
There is one respect in which the joint programme may prove wanting. Its proposals for the policing of ethics in public office are aspirational rather than prescriptive. And this is a key area in which Mr Ahern's performance will be adjudged with stringency. He has come to office as the new face of Fianna Fail, marking the change from the days of golden circles, business deals and strokes. Time alone will tell if that change is real or cosmetic. Fine Gael goes into opposition tainted with Lowryism and Labour goes marked as the purveyor of croneyism and placement. But Mr Ahern has the opportunity to bring Fianna Fail back to its decent roots. He can place the party in Government on the high moral ground and that would be no small prize. But there are still one or two around him he will need to keep an eye on.