Cowen elected Taoiseach: Quotes of the day
Brian Cowen was formally appointed as Taoiseach today, with critics promising him a tough time in the top job. These are some of the quotes of the day:
“Obviously it’s a very big day. It’s a very exciting day. It’s a very sentimental day, thinking of those who are no longer with us. (But) I’m looking forward to it – getting ready for the action”
Brian Cowen looks forward to the Dáil vote that will see him elected Taoiseach.
“Today this house has elected me as Taoiseach. I’m the 12th person to have that honour since the foundation of the state. I accept the honour with a genuine sense of humility”
Mr Cowen’s speech to the Dáil on becoming Taoiseach.
“No man will have to ask him his name”
Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae notes in the Dáil that, if nothing else, Mr Cowen’s elevation will improve his name-recognition as he travels Ireland.
“He’s a great wit, mad about football, greyhounds … he was a born politician”
Christy Cowen on his brother Brian.
“The calculated and cynical slipping out today of the three-volume, 1,400-page Report of the Morris Tribunal is evidence that while we may have new faces in government, nothing else has changed.”
Pat Rabbitte, Labour spokesman on justice, on the publication by the Department of Justice of a report on police corruption.
“The government and your ministers whoever they are, all these brilliant people waiting and doting on your every syllable for the last month, when they come back in here I’d like you to understand that when they fall down, you will be pursued relentlessly in this house”
A warning from Enda Kenny, leader of opposition party Fine Gael, to Mr Cowen following the latter’s election to Taoiseach.
“I don’t recall being quite so overwhelmed by Offaly people since the final moments of the 1981 hurling final”
Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore on the numbers of supporters from Mr Cowen’s native county in the Dáil public gallery.
