Cowen wishes Kenny well
Outgoing Taoiseach Brian Cowen has wished Enda Kenny and the new Government well.
Mr Cowen attended an ecumenical service in Dublin this morning, ahead of the 31st Dáil's first meeting this afternoon.
He says the people have spoken and it is time now for a new Government to take over the reins of power.
"I'm sure he (Kenny) will remain focused on the job at hand," Mr Cowen said.
"There will be ebbs and flows of public opinion, as I saw myself, but there is a job to be done and I am sure he is very determined to get on with it.
"I wish him and his colleagues well and I wish my own former colleagues every success as well."
Fianna Fáil's Dáil representation has been whittled down to just 20 members following GE11.
Speaking at Leinster House this morning, Mr Cowen's successor as party leader Micheál Martin nonetheless said his team are ready for the challenges of opposition.
"I'm feeling very good," Mr Martin told the press.
"Obviously I'm looking forward to the new Dáil session, and leading the Fianna Fáil party in a constructive approach to the problems that face the Irish people," he added.
