Ahern formally signs off at Áras
Signing off on his resignation at Áras an Uachtaráin, the Taoiseach appeared calm and kept a smile after giving up his third term as leader.
Mr Ahern had spent the afternoon saying goodbye to his staff at the Department of the Taoiseach in Dublin city centre.
By the time he arrived at Phoenix Park, a wall of reporters, photographers and cameramen were already inside the white walls of Áras an Uachtaráin awaiting him.
A few minutes after 6pm, Mr Ahern was greeted by the president’s secretary-general Tim O’Connor.
He then met President McAleese and they spent several minutes in private discussion in the drawing room.
President McAleese then led Bertie Ahern into the state reception room.
As stated in article 28 of the constitution, Mr Ahern then placed his resignation in the hands of the president.
Mrs McAleese could be quietly heard asking Mr Ahern what he planned to do now that he was stepping down.
Under the constitution’s terms, Mr Ahern remains on as leader of the country until a successor is chosen, which will be Brian Cowen, later today.
Mr Ahern’s resignation lasted only a couple of seconds and he returned to the drawing room with President McAleese.
About 25 minutes later, a smiling Mr Ahern emerged from the front door of Áras an Uachtaráin, moved swiftly to his car, turned to reporters and said: “I can give you a few words, I just want to thank you all for following me for so many years and thanks for your courtesy. Slán.”
Last night, Mr Ahern officially stepped down as leader of Fianna Fáil at a national executive meeting of the parliamentary party.
Brian Cowen was made president of Fianna Fáil, after his position was proposed by Dermot Ahern and seconded by Noel Dempsey.
A Fianna Fáil official said nothing should be read into this as they were both party officials.
