News From Ireland Cowen Replaces Ahern as Prime Minister Brian Cowen has replaced Bertie Ahern a

News From Ireland

Cowen Replaces Ahern as Prime Minister

Brian Cowen has replaced Bertie Ahern as leader of the Fianna Fil party. The Laois-Offaly Dil deputy also assumed the office of Taoiseach when Ahern stood down on May 6 following his address to the joint Houses of Congress in Washington, D.C. Ahern's decision to vacate his position both as Taoiseach and party leader followed months of unfavorable publicity arising from the Mahon Tribunal's investigations into payments-to-politicians.

Although Ahern maintained he never took inappropriate payments from anybody, his explanations for a documented series of cash transactions into various accounts to which he had access became increasingly muddled and unconvincing. Some commentators perceived that Ahern's personal secretary, Grinne Farrell, was made scapegoat for her failure to adequately explain a number of sterling currency lodgements to the local bank. In a prepared speech that caught the media by surprise, the outgoing Taoiseach made a typically robust defense of his record, blaming "the constant barrage" of public scrutiny arising from the Mahon Tribunal before saying he felt it was time for him to make way.

"I have never done anything to corrupt my office," Ahern told reporters at Government Buildings. "I know in my heart of hearts that I have done no wrong and wronged no one."

History will judge Bertie Ahern as the Dubliner who was Taoiseach for 11 years and cabinet minister for 19 years, the first party leader since Eamon de Valera to win three terms in office for Fianna Fil. As Ireland's political leader through a decade of momentous political and

economic change, his critics openly acknowledge his key role in copper fastening the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. In recent years, however, he has been plagued by speculation about his personal finances. Although he insisted he did not quit because of tribunal findings, commentators suggested he remained in office until he had little option but to resign.

Taoiseach-designate Brian Cowen was named as future leader of Fianna Fil when he was returned unopposed by the party. In his first press conference as leader in waiting, he expressed his appreciation for his new role. "Today is a proud moment for me, for my wife and my two daughters - their support has been immense," he said. "It is also a proud day for my mother and my wider family. I am excited by the challenge, if somewhat daunted by the responsibility.

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Nster.com