Bertie Begins A Historic Third Term As Taoiseach

Fianna Fáil And Greens Agree Deal, Form New Government

Members of the 30th Dáil voted Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach when they met for the first time on Thursday..

Fianna Fáil's John O'Donoghue was also elected to the position of Ceann Chomhairle.

The Kerry T.D., who was nominated by Bertie Ahern, beat out a challenge from Labour's Ruairi Quinn for the position.

Mr Ahern was officially nominated for Taoiseach by Finance Minister Brian Cowen with the outgoing leader of the Green Party, Trevor Sargent, seconding the motion.

Mr Ahern was challenged by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny who was nominated by his

Deputy Leader Richard Bruton, the motion seconded by Labour leader Pat Rabbitte.

Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin told the Dáil that his party would not support either nomination.

As expected, Progressive Democrat Leader, Mary Harney, supported the nomination of Bertie Ahern as did Kerry South Independent T.D., Jackie Healy Rae who emphasised his "wonderful relationship" with Mr Ahern.

Sargent Fulfills Pledge, Resigns As Green Party Leader

After the Green Party accepted a proposal to enter government with Fianna Fáil, its leader Trevor Sargent fulfilled his pre-election pledge to resign as leader of the party.

He announced his resignation on Wednesday evening after party members voted in favour of the draft programme for Government agreed during the previous week's negotiations.

After Mr Sargent's announcement, Green Party chairman John Gormley led the praise for his former leader, saying that his personal integrity was to a large part responsible for the successful party vote.

Ruling out a senior ministry role, Mr Sargent said: "This, my friends, is the proudest day of my life. It's the day when courage won out.

"It's a day when a hunger for change won out over the status quo."

He also praised the members of his party who voted against the proposal to enter government saying that "Those who voted no, also made a courageous decision." Green T.D. Ciaran Cuffe said that his party's decision marked a major evolution of Irish politics: "It is a major step forward. It will be a rollercoaster but a good rollercoaster.

"Having two Green ministers at the Cabinet table will make a huge difference to the future of the country."

The deal, negotiated over two weeks of talks with Fianna Fáil, includes commitments on greenhouse gas reductions, a carbon levy and the appointment of a Minister of State with responsibility for the elderly.

Cowen Selected As An Tanaiste

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern appointed Minister of Finance Brian Cowen, T.D. as Tanaiste, clearly indicating that Mr Cowen had been annointed as his natural successor as the Fianna Fáil leader.

Mr Cowen, who was reappointed as Minister for Finance, led the talks that eventually secured the deal to enter government with the Greens.

Mr Ahern said that, "Brian Cowen and I are friends since the mid-1980s. We've worked together.

"He has a brilliant mind. He is a great colleague. He has a vast amount of experience and is still not far beyond his mid 40s.

"From my point of view, he is the obvious successor to me in five years time or whenever."

On the first day of his historic third consecutive term, the Taoiseach also announced that he would promote Mayo T.D. Beverly Cooper Flynn if she resolved her financial difficulties and rejoined Fianna Fáil, a move which was condemned by many in the local party.

Mr Ahern said that the independent, who faces a huge legal bill after losing a libel action against RTE, was a "hugely capable and competent person."

"She definitely has a very good future as an office holder," Mr Ahern told RTE Radio.

Asked if that could be in the lifetime of this government, he said: "I think that is a fair expectation."

He hinted she may be appointed at the mid-term review after two-and-a-half years. "We would certainly like to see her back in Fianna Fáil," he added.

Speaking of his Cabinet appointments, the Taoiseach said: "I could confidently pick another 12 ministers from the backbenches and up to 35 who would make suitable junior ministers. But you need to balance experience, ideas, cool heads, ability and new people."