Taoiseach becomes the first to take family to Áras
In a surprise move, the Offaly TD arrived by cavalcade in Phoenix Park accompanied by his family.
Just before 5pm, the state cars rolled up the presidential driveway.
Having come straight from being elected taoiseach in the Dáil chambers, Mr Cowen met President Mary McAleese privately for several minutes in the state drawing room.
Mr Cowen’s wife, Mary, and daughters, Sinead, 16, and Maedhbh, 10, were joined by his mother, May, and his mother-in-law, Veronica Molloy.
They waited anxiously with the President’s husband, Dr Martin McAleese, before Mr Cowen entered the state reception room with the President.
To the sounds of camera shots, he was then presented with his warrant of appointment of taoiseach by President McAleese, which he signed.
This was in line with article 13.11 of the constitution.
This was signed before the President then gave him his two silver seals of office. The first was that of taoiseach. The President smiled while explaining the second larger seal.
“Here’s your control of government,” she said.
Both briefly spoke, before his wife and family joined them for photographs.
After a few private minutes together, the President said goodbye to the Taoiseach and his family on the footsteps of Áras an Uachtaráin.
Speaking to reporters, the 12th taoiseach said he was very honoured after becoming the leader of the country. He said his father, the late Fianna Fáil junior minister Bernard Cowen, would have been very happy to see him crowned taoiseach.
“He would be very proud, and we think of all of those men and women who are with us in spirit,” said Mr Cowen
The Taoiseach said his wife and family were with him because they were “very important”.
“Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he told reporters outside the Áras.
Accompanied by gardaí on motorcycles, Mr Cowen then made his way out of the park towards the Dáil to appoint his new cabinet.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
