Ahern focuses on social partnership

REPUBLICANISM, rather than socialism, was the focus of the Taoiseach’s attentions at the weekend, but he also emphasised the importance of social partnership to the country.

Speaking at the Ógra Fianna Fáil conference, Mr Ahern said there has been a simplistic debate about whether Ireland is closer to Boston or to Berlin. “While some at home continue to talk about Boston or Berlin, the fact is that in Boston and Berlin they are talking about Ireland.

Our republican model of progress embraces social responsibility. It embraces the real needs of our people and rejects uncontrolled market forces,” said Mr Ahern.

Stressing that the Northern Ireland peace process was the top priority for Fianna Fáil, Mr Ahern said his strategy was to see out the entire five years in government and work to the last day to deliver on the Programme for Government.

The conference was also addressed by Jeffrey Donaldson of the Democratic Unionist Party, who positively indicated that a historic resolution could still be arrived at in the North.