Ahern sees Cowen as natural successor

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today clearly anointed Tánaiste Brian Cowen as his natural successor as Fianna Fáil leader but he may not hand over power to him until 2012.

On his first day of his third consecutive term, Mr Ahern also said he would promote Mayo TD Beverly Cooper Flynn if she resolved her financial difficulties and rejoined Fianna Fáil.

Mr Cowen, who was yesterday reappointed as Minister for Finance, led the talks team that hammered out a government deal with the Greens over the past fortnight.

Mr Ahern said today: “Brian Cowen and I are friends since the mid-1980s. We’ve worked together. He has a brilliant mind. He is a great colleague. He has a vast amount of experience and is still not far beyond his mid 40s.

"From my point of view, he is the obvious successor to me in five years time or whenever.“

Mr Ahern said that Mayo TD Ms Flynn was a “hugely capable and competent person”.

The independent politician faces a massive legal bill after losing a libel action against RTE.

“She definitely has a very good future as an office holder,” Mr Ahern told RTE Radio.

When asked if that may be in the lifetime of this government, he said: “I think that is a fair expectation.”

He hinted she may be appointed at the mid-term review after two and a half years.

“We would certainly like to see her back in Fianna Fáil,” he added.

On yesterday’s Cabinet appointments, the Taoiseach said: “I could confidently pick another 12 ministers from the backbenches and up to 35 who would make suitable junior ministers. But you need to balance experience, ideas, cool heads, ability and new people.”

Mr Ahern also revealed that he marks his 30th anniversary as a TD tomorrow.

“That has been an honour every day. I love working for people and trying to deliver for them,” he told reporters.