Taoiseach Cowen’s first day - A welcome declaration of ambition

IRELAND enjoyed a day yesterday that hundreds of millions across the world will never see.

We changed our leader amid cheering, flag waving, good humour and dignity — and an air of optimism that has been missing for far too long. We welcomed Taoiseach Brian Cowen in an atmosphere of renewed energies and tangible proof of a real change in emphasis. Ideals we all honour — community, family and possibility — were returned to centre stage in a clear, unambiguous and powerful way.

In an equally forthright statement, Mr Cowen reshaped his cabinet in a way far more radical than had been anticipated. Anyone who expected just a bit of tinkering got a rude awakening.