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

SUNDAY

I START the day by dropping into Luke's. This is a usual Sunday morning ritual of mine.

I like the peace and quiet outside office hours when the phone does not ring. It means I can get through more work without distractions.

I am overwhelmed by the number of people who have written wishing me well and expressing their gratitude for my work as Taoiseach.

It's going to take a bit of time, but I am going to read all the letters and reply to everyone.

I go from Luke's to Malahide. It's Georgina's birthday and all the family are gathering for lunch.

I am so proud of both my girls and their achievements. One good thing about retirement is that I hope to have more time with the family.

We go to a favourite Italian restaurant of ours. My lads, Jay and Rocco, are in fine form and are their usual balls of energy.

Nicky is away on tour in New Zealand but he rings Georgina on the phone and I have a quick word with him. He's obviously sorry he can't be with us but duty calls. I tell him he's keeping up the family tradition of working hard

MONDAY

It's a bank holiday but I head to Government Buildings.

I've a bit of packing to do in here and I know that a lot of my own personal staff are in there clearing out their offices so I go in to show a bit of solidarity with them.

I chat to Gerry Hickey, my programme manager, who has been with me since I became Minister for Finance in 1991.

Then I start to immerse myself in constituency work. Although I am stepping down as Taoiseach, I am determined that I will still give the same quality of service to my constituents in Dublin Central.

They stood by me in election after election and I am going to work hard for them up to the next election.

TUESDAY

It's a beautiful day for the Boyne. It's my final day as Taoiseach. The sun is out and I know I am going to enjoy today.

We head to St Columba's Church on Iona Road which is a special place for me. Most of my constituency organisation are there.

Fr Jim Caffrey says a lovely Mass. I say a quiet prayer of thanks for all the opportunities I have had and the friendships and support people have given me.

The constituency have organised buses and everyone is heading to the Boyne. There is a sense of excitement.

I greet Dr and Baroness Paisley at the Boyne and we chat. I really respect Ian.

I see groups of Orangemen wearing their sashes chatting with members of my constituency organisation. Everyone is in good humour. I think this is the way it should be. I think this is why I put so many hours into negotiations.

We all have a shared concern with making the future of this island prosperous for our children.

Ian and I view the new visitors centre. There are more speeches. Ian makes me laugh when he tells the story about his first visit to the Irish Embassy for a breakfast meeting.

He says he insisted on hard-boiled eggs so he knew we would not be able to tamper with his food!

I head back to the office. I am pleased to be able to make some progress in regard to an independent examination which is an issue of great concern to the Stardust families.

That disaster was a defining moment for a generation of people I know well and I will continue to help the families in any way I can.

I am in the last hours in Government Buildings. My family are with me. My Private Secretary says some staff members want to come in and say goodbye. I open the door of my office and say everyone is welcome.

There are handshakes, good wishes and countless photographs. I am going to miss this hard-working bunch.

It's time to go to the Aras. I am bowled over when I see large numbers of my constituency organisation in the Courtyard with so many other members of the public.

They cheer and clap. I give them a wave and say: "See you in Fagan's later."

As we travel to the Aras motorists beep their horns and commuters shout support.

The President is one of my favourite people. She is warm and intelligent. We chat privately in the Aras and she thanks me for what I have done for the country. I am proud.

I go in and have a cup of tea with the President and Martin. I say hello to her family. Then I thank the press and head for Fagan's. I am looking forward to a few pints with my friends.

WEDNESDAY

I head to Arbour Hill. The State Commemoration for the 1916 leaders is on.

It's my last official function as the Dail will elect a new Taoiseach in the afternoon.

I shake hands with Brian Cowen. I wish him well. I say I will see him in the Dail later. I tell him to enjoy the day.

Later, I am proud to nominate him. He has been a loyal colleague and a great friend. I tell the Dail that he has the capacity and the qualities needed to do the job. I believe he will be a great Taoiseach.

Brian is elected. I shake his hand and say congratulations Taoiseach. We both smile. I am thrilled for him. I take my place on the backbenches beside Johnny Brady.

When it is over I decide to go to the plinth in Leinster House. I know it will be thronged with the new Taoiseach's family and friends from Offaly.

They are all Fianna Fail people and have given me great support over the years.

I am touched by the reception I get and I spend some time chatting to everyone and thanking people for their good wishes.

Back inside the Dail, I shake hands with all the members of the new Government.

I have a special word of congratulations for Brian Lenihan, the new Minister for Finance. I served in that Department between 1991-1994 and I know what a challenge it is.

Brian is a hugely capable politician and I believe he will do a good job.

I think how proud Brian's dad would be today. He was a great friend and someone I still miss.

I go to the Irish Cricket Union's Award Ceremonies to make the presentations.

I've always loved sport and I have an interest in cricket since the days my brothers played. I enjoy the function.

It's back to the Dail to vote and then home for a bite to eat. It's been a busy day.

THURSDAY

I head straight for the constituency office. I immerse myself in the letters for early part of the morning.

I smile when I hear the headlines on the radio. I am still making the headlines, or at least my lawyers are!

Later, I take out the street maps of the constituency. Cyprian and I begin making plans to organise a canvass of the entire constituency for the Lisbon Treaty Referendum.

The European Union is crucial to this country's future success.

I was pleased to hear the Taoiseach telling the Dail that he would be give huge commitment to the campaign to get the Treaty passed. We will be doing our bit in Dublin Central to secure a strong Yes vote.

FRIDAY

More letters arrive. I am amazed at the amount of people who have sent letters of goodwill and Mass cards.

Luke's is beginning to resemble a florists with all the flowers that have been sent in. People are kind.

I head to Cavan to the wedding of the son of a good friend. I wish Robert and Laura Cashin well for the future.

On the way home, I drop into Senator Maria Corrigan's birthday party. I am looking forward to having more time to spend with my friends and family. I enjoy the day. I think new beginnings.