Ahern warns new cabinet to work hard to tackle challenges

FORMER taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday warned the new cabinet would have to work hard with problems and challenges ahead for the country.

Speaking at his last function at the Arbour Hill 1916 commemoration, Mr Ahern also said he had given many top ministers their first big break.

Arriving shortly before President Mary McAleese, Mr Ahern was given his last salute by members of the Defence Forces.

Dignitaries including Garda and military chiefs, the outgoing cabinet and the judiciary attended mass and a ceremony.

Relatives of James Connolly, one of the executed 1916 leaders, also attended.

Bishop Christopher Jones said during his homily that the rising’s leaders would have been proud of recent changes in Ireland.

Peace in the north would have been seen as miraculous, he said.

But the bishop warned harsh challenges were ahead for Brian Cowen’s new government.

He said: “I believe that people like Pierce and Plunkett would be disappointed to see how materialism has possessed so many hearts and minds and pushed God from the centre to the sidelines.”

The president, Mr Ahern and his cabinet then attended a wreath-laying ceremony.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Ahern said he wanted to be remembered for the north’s peace process, which had saved lives: “I hope I’ve done a few other things as well. It’s been enjoyable. You always miss things when you move on… you have to get on.”

The three-time taoiseach also had some sobering advice for his successors.

“Anyone in cabinet will have to work very hard, it’s a tough job. You have to give it everything. The country’s in a very good position but you can never sit still,” said Mr Ahern.

“Most of these people I’ve worked with, most of them I helped get elected... or if not, gave them their first break.”

His free time would allow him to “keep an eye on the Dubs and see if Man U can end up with the double”.

He also praised outgoing Arts Minister Séamus Brennan, who stepped down following a difficult 18 months fighting illness.

Incoming taoiseach Brian Cowen said he was “ready for the action” of a new government and had some final words of praise for Mr Ahern: “One is conscious that he has set a standard and we have to go in and emulate it, the best we can,” he said.