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Bertie's emotional farewell... 03.04.08

INISHOWEN grassroots Fianna Fáil were among those reeling yesterday following the surprise resignation statement by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
There was swift and mixed reaction to Ahern's decision to step down from office on May 6 after more than a decade in the top job. In true Bertie style, he caught everyone on the hop by signalling, at around 8.30am, he would be making an important statement shortly after 10am.
Flanked by a stony-faced Cabinet he took to the steps of Government Buildings and, in an emotional address to the nation, declared he would be leaving office in just five weeks. He stressed he had "never taken a corrupt payment in (his) life" and said his decision to step down was because the relentless focus on his personal affairs was posing a distraction to the Government in uncertain economic times.

An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern during his last trip to Inishowen in March 2007. He said his only reason for resigning was for the "good of the country" and the "good of the people". And in a voice trembling with emotion, he declared: "I've done no wrong and wronged no-one".
Moville-based Fianna Fáil Senator Cecilia Keaveney yesterday spoke of the irony that Ahern revealed his intention to resign on the twelfth anniversary of the double
by-election triumph of herself and Brian Lenihan when Ahern was Opposition leader.
"It is a momentous day when it coincides with the day when he now announces his exit from national political leadership," she said. She cited the Good Friday Agreement, social partnership, economic progress and strong and dynamic EU participation as among his main achievements.
"These are no mean feats by any person's reckoning," said the local Seanad member. "I relive today the by-election and many positive days which occurred under his leadership for our county and country. I wish him and his family well as he takes some time back for himself and them after years of putting people and politics before his own private time and life," she added.
Meanwhile, Opposition politicians including Fine Gael Deputy Joe McHugh acknowledged the Taoiseach's contribution to Irish political life but unanimously accepted that resignation was the only course of action remaining to him after a succession of controversial tribunal revelations.
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