10/04/2008

Cowen Represents Government For First Time as Leader-Designate

Tánaiste Brian Cowen will represent the Dáil today for the first time since being selected as the next Taoiseach.

Mr Cowen will preside over the Order of Business today, as the run up to his 7 May succession to current Taoiseach Bertie Ahern begins.

A debate on the 28th amendment to the Constitution to facilitate the Lisbon Treaty referendum will follow.

The next four weeks will be of great interest to political commentators and the people of Ireland as a whole, with all eyes on Mr Cowen as he shapes Fianna Fáil policy and hones his leadership skills as he prepares to take over as head of Government.

However, he has already stated that he will not be drawn on those party policies - or his Cabinet choices - before he begins his term Taoiseach on 7 May.

Mr Cowen was elected unopposed as the seventh leader of Fianna Fáil and has said he will devote all of his abilities and energy to the task that lies ahead.

However, he has also appealed to the media to respect his private life.

Speaking yesterday at his first press conference as Fianna Fáil leader-designate, Mr Cowen said he hoped to match the work ethic and dedication shown by Mr Ahern.

Co Offaly-born Mr Cowen spoke of his pride at taking over the country, and said it was a proud day for his wife, two daughters and wider family.

"We will strive to build a country strong and free, with decent living standards for all, where our elderly are secure and respected and where our young people can look to their future in Ireland with confidence," he said.

"Now, more than ever, in the years ahead, we will work towards making that dream a reality."

Mr Cowen added that he was "excited by the challenge but daunted by the responsibility" of becoming Taoiseach

(NS/JM)

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