Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

I also welcome the Taoiseach to the House. I extend my best wishes and the best wishes of my party to him as he spends his last few days in office. As Taoiseach, he has used his unique and extraordinary political ability for the great benefit of our country. His political skill, dedication and hard work have delivered historic and permanent political agreement and peace to the island of Ireland. It is most appropriate that one of the final events he will attend will be the opening of the new Boyne centre. Five years ago, few people would have thought such an event could take place. The Taoiseach has been central to the process which has brought us to the point at which it is possible.

As Senator Cassidy mentioned, the Taoiseach's political skill delivered 11 years of stable partnership Government. The stability of the coalition has brought about an unsurpassed economic performance and a higher standing for Ireland in the EU and internationally. I intend to maintain the strong, stable and fruitful relationship that has been built between the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil in recent years. The achievements of the Taoiseach, which I have mentioned, will be his permanent and lasting legacy.

All of us in this House entered public life in the hope of delivering improvements for the people in our communities. Few, if any, public representatives complete their public service with anything like the scale of the achievements attained on behalf of the people of Ireland by the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern. The Taoiseach, along with his family and his many friends and supporters, can be very proud of his service to this country. I wish him well in whatever role he chooses to adopt as he sees out his contribution to Irish and international politics.