Tributes to Ahern on last Dáil appearance

Bertie Ahern’s last day in the Dáil has invoked a litany of tributes from his colleagues.

The tributes followed immediately after Leader's Questions this morning.

Although Mr Ahern doesn't officially relinquish office until 5 May, the Taoiseach does not attend the house on Thursdays, and departs for Washington before it convenes next week.

On Tuesday 6 May he will tender his resignation to President Mary McAleese.

Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he had been a dedicated leader whose diligence towards his job was unrivalled.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, meanwhile, said Mr Ahern's departure would mark the end of a remarkable era in Irish politics.

"When you were elected to the office of Taoiseach on June 26 1997, there were very few of our friends in the press gallery or indeed on this side of the House who believed that you would hold that office for almost 11 years, but you are an extraordinary politician," he said.

Mr Ahern thanked all those he had worked with during his political career and said it had been a pleasure to serve his country.

"It's been a long journey, a real pleasure to play my part in bringing the country forward and working with everyone in this House in trying to do that over the past almost 11 years," he said.

He also paid tribute to the leaders of the other political parties paying particular attenion to his successor, Brian Cowen, would he said would make a great Taoiseach.

(DW)