Green Party Leader pays tribute to Bertie Ahern
Issued: 02 April 2008
Statement by John Gormley
Green Party Leader John Gormley today paid a warm tribute to Bertie Ahern as the Taoiseach announced that he will stand down on May 6 next.
Mr Gormley said he and colleagues, Eamon Ryan and Trevor Sargent, would not be in government without Mr Ahern's political vision and foresight.
Minister Gormley said: "Bertie Ahern recognised the critical importance of issues like climate change and energy security for future generations. On that basis he opened the negotiations which ultimately put the Green agenda at the heart of Government."
The Environment Minister acknowledged the genuine political support Mr Ahern had shown over the past ten months for the Green Party in Government.
"Bertie Ahern gave us considerable help implementing the Green agenda from the first day we arrived in government right up until today. He has been generous with his time, his advice and his support," Mr Gormley said.
The Green Party Leader said Mr Ahern had effectively ushered in a new era of consensus politics which took on board the crucial issues to help ensure a sustainable future. He insisted history would recognise the Taoiseach's major contribution to the unprecedented level of peace and prosperity now enjoyed by the island of Ireland.
Mr Gormley urged all political parties to acknowledge the dignified manner the Taoiseach had chosen to announce his departure from office. He extended every good wish to Mr Ahern, his family, friends and supporters.