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'I enjoy the day and think new beginnings'

Bertie Ahern writes about his final hours in office, how he was proud to nominate Brian Cowen as his successor and how he intends to serve the voters

Final visit to Aras brings it all back home for Taoiseach

By Senan Molony Deputy Political Editor

BERTIE AHERN'S last official act as Taoiseach was to formally sign his resignation letter for the President at Aras an Uachtarain last night.

North and South need to understand their shared history: Ahern

By Fionnan Sheahan Political Editor

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday called on people on both sides of the Border to understand their shared history in order to build for the future.

Hand of peace at 300-year-old killing fields

By Louise Hogan

IT could have all turned out so differently.

VIP 'backbench Bertie' is on the move to plush suite of offices

By Michael Brennan and Sarah Stack

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern is due to move from Government buildings into his new offices today as he returns to the backbenches for the first time in almost 30 years.

This leader inspired only apathy in Bebo generation

By Daire Hickey

I REACHED the grand old age of 22 last week. For half my life, the leader of this country has been Bertie Ahern. For others of the Facebook and Bebo generations, Ahern is the first leader of this country they have encountered.

Tributes for leader 'who never dropped the ball'

By Michael Brennan Political Correspondent

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern's unique style of politics was highlighted yesterday by friends and foes on his final day in office.

'Hume-speak' from Paisley a fine finale

By John Cooney

THE spirit of conciliation shown by Bertie Ahern and Ian Paisley on the site of the Battle of the Boyne was inspired by the reconciliation of France and Germany after the Second World War.

Cowen is thrown a 'hospital pass' on economy

By BRENDAN KEENAN

His choice is to keep the head down and ride it out or to use the crisis by trying to fix the things which have gone wrong

New leader faces health headache

By Eilish O'Regan Health Correspondent

INCOMING Taoiseach Brian Cowen is already getting a taste of health service headaches to come as a mediator attempts to secure the full opening of a new hospital in his constituency.