Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I would like to add my voice and the voice of my party to the congratulations to Deputy Bertie Ahern on being re-elected as Taoiseach and to extend our good wishes to him for the lifetime of this Dáil. I do so without cavils or caveats of any kind. To be re-elected for a third consecutive term is a truly remarkable achievement. I acknowledge that achievement and congratulate the Taoiseach on it. It is a tribute to his single-minded focus on politics and public service. Later today, when he announces the members of his new Cabinet, we will have an opportunity to dwell in a little more depth on the substantive issue, the formation of the new Government and the challenges that lie ahead. However, for the purpose of these few remarks, I wish the Taoiseach well and acknowledge that extraordinary achievement, which is a reward for his single-minded focus on politics — I hope he gets the opportunity on the way back from the Áras to do half an hour of canvassing in Drumcondra before he returns to the House. His re-election is a tribute to his extraordinary ability to straddle the ground between the people of property in our society and the people of no property, which is a remarkable achievement when examined in political terms.

In the new configuration of the Dáil the Labour Party is the undisputed party of the left and we intend to provide opposition to the Government on that basis. We intend to represent the vacant space which the lobbyists of the Green Party used to recently occupy and we will do our best to hold this Government to account. However, this afternoon is the Taoiseach's afternoon. I do not think anybody in modern times is likely to repeat the achievement of being thrice elected Taoiseach. It is a tremendous honour. To him and all who care for him, I offer my unstinting congratulations and best wishes.

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