Independent TDs gave the first demonstration of their loyalties in the new Dáil when Mr Bertie Ahern was re-elected Taoiseach yesterday by a comfortable 93 votes to 68.
Besides 80 Fianna Fáil and eight Progressive Democrats' votes, Mr Ahern had the support of the Independents who had an arrangement with the last administration, Ms Mildred Fox (Wicklow) and Mr Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South).
Mr Niall Blaney (Donegal North-East) also supported Mr Ahern, as did the Hospital Action Group TD, Mr Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan), and former Fianna Fáil councillor, Mr Paddy McHugh (Galway-East). Dr Jerry Cowley (Mayo) and Dr Liam Twomey (Wexford) abstained, as did former Fianna Fáil member Mr James Breen (Clare) and Ms Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim). Mr Finian McGrath (Dublin North-Central) voted against Mr Ahern.
However, once the vote was announced, all but two TDs, Mr Tony Gregory (Independent, Dublin Central) and Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist, Dublin West), gave Mr Ahern a standing ovation. The Taoiseach, who now leads the first coalition Government to be returned to office, said that building a lasting and just peace on this island was his "great political goal" - the priority he would "continue to put above all else".
As his partner, Ms Celia Larkin, watched from the distinguished visitors' gallery, Mr Ahern said that when mistakes were made in politics, they were made in the glare of the public eye in an unparalleled way.
"It is the humility to recognise that a mistake has been made and the wisdom to learn from it, that marks real political leadership. That is what I aspire to for myself and that is what I ask for, from my colleagues in Government."
As the proceedings got under way the "new school term" skittishness gave way to a serious note as the nominations for Taoiseach were made.
As speeches grew more repetitive, noise levels rose as TDs chatted among themselves.
Several people in the packed visitors' gallery were observed nodding off to sleep.
There were brief nomination addresses for Mr Ahern. The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said the Taoiseach was the first to be re-elected since 1966, and he was "perhaps the most skilful negotiator ever elected to this House" and what he had achieved in the election was "remarkable".
Mr Richard Bruton nominated the new Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, for Taoiseach.
He said: "As a party we are not so fanciful as to believe that we have yet earned the right to that post. This is, however, a clear statement of our intentions for the future."
Mr John Gormley (Green, Dublin South-East) nominated his party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent, and said the choice was between the politics of greed and need.
Sinn Féin's leader in the House, Mr CaoimhghíÓ Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan), referred to the shape of the Opposition and pointed out that the Labour Party, the Green Party and Sinn Féin now outnumbered Fine Gael, and there were more Independents elected on manifestos of equity and equality.
Both Mr Gregory and Mr Higgins condemned the Government and accused the Taoiseach of wasting five years of prosperity. Mr Gregory made particular reference to the renewed problem of drugs, where heroin was now sold openly.
In his 10-minute acceptance speech, Mr Ahern paid tribute to the former Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, who appeared briefly. He congratulated Mr Kenny on his appointment.
Mr Kenny congratulated the Taoiseach but said he would not enjoy a "golden age". Fine Gael "will be constructive in the national interest and will support when it is right to do so. We will oppose when the needs of these people and all Irish citizens are not being met."
The Labour leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, said the Taoiseach's re-election was a testament to his "extraordinary popularity" and the dedication he had given to public life.
"This is the Taoiseach's moment and that of his party in Government. It would be ungenerous for any of us not to recognise that and not to salute the victory he has achieved."
