Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

During some of the period under examination by the tribunal, in addition to preparatory work on Estimates and the budget, the then Minister for Finance had already been elected party leader, was supervising detailed negotiations for government and did not have a great deal of time in which to attend to his personal affairs.

Since that time, the Taoiseach, who returned to office in 1997, has given outstanding service. This fact was recognised by the electorate when he was recently returned to power for the third time, something that has not happened since the days of Eamon de Valera. There has been a large measure of industrial peace in recent years, which dates back to the Taoiseach's time as Minister for Labour. The Taoiseach achieved consensual reform of industrial relations legislation and has been a key figure behind social partnership since 1987. The Taoiseach has presided over an economy of which earlier patriots and political leaders could only dream, with unemployment banished, emigration reversed, taxes cut, welfare improved and huge infrastructural improvements that are steadily becoming more visible. His style of leadership is that he identifies problems, patiently works on them with colleagues, advisers — civil servants and others — and, with a minimum of public grandstanding, tries to build a consensus behind what needs to be done.

I wish to refer now to the historic achievement of the peace process. The Taoiseach restored the IRA ceasefire, negotiated the Good Friday Agreement — which is not only a political settlement but also a peace settlement — and oversaw its implementation. The Agreement is at last working as it should. It was a difficult process but if one considers events elsewhere across the globe, it is evident that there are not many equally successful peace processes. The Taoiseach enjoyed an historic collaboration with Tony Blair who, when leaving office, stated that of all leaders of other countries, Deputy Bertie Ahern was the one with whom he had the closest relationship. The Taoiseach kept in touch with all the parties involved and the peace process and his achievements in respect of it are deeply appreciated throughout the country.

The Taoiseach also oversaw Ireland's Presidency of the EU, which President Chirac described as the best one ever. There is no doubt that Ireland's standing around the world has never been higher.

There has also been a political achievement. The Taoiseach has led two coalition Governments that remained in office for their full terms. In 2002 he opted for stability rather than maximising short-term party advantage and the same was done on the most recent occasion.

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