Reaction: Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday congratulated Michael McDowell on becoming leader of the Progressive Democrats and said he looked forward to working with him as Tánaiste.
Mr Ahern, who is in Helsinki attending a summit of EU leaders, contacted Mr McDowell yesterday to convey his best wishes.
He told reporters he would have detailed discussions with Mr McDowell tomorrow on the coalition Government's programme of work, when he meets him before the weekly cabinet meeting.
"We've a huge agenda over the next three months up until the Christmas period," he said. "So it's for Michael McDowell and I, as leaders of our respective parties and as Taoiseach and Tánaiste, to get on with the job. We'll certainly do that and I'll look forward to having a detailed meeting with him on Wednesday."
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny also offered his best wishes to Mr McDowell, saying that leading a political party was "a great honour". He added that, "beyond the fanfare", Mr McDowell faced "a busy time" and claimed he faced a series of difficulties on justice and health issues, and that the Government was "miles away from reaching their stated target of having 20 per cent of workers paying tax at the top level".
"There is a significant body of work to be done to move past the politics of promise to those of delivery," Mr Kenny said.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte offered his "sincere congratulations" to Mr McDowell.
"His success in becoming leader is no surprise to those who have observed his journey in politics," Mr Rabbitte said.
However, he said that the election held out "the prospect of a clearer choice between those of us who believe in the fair society, and those like Michael McDowell who believe that a measure of inequality is necessary to drive our economic and political system."
Fianna Fáil Dublin MEP and constituency colleague Eoin Ryan described Mr McDowell as "a politician of conviction and integrity. Michael McDowell will be an energetic Tánaiste," he said.
"As both attorney general and Minister for Justice, he has done the job with commitment and determination."
Fianna Fáil also moved to dampen reports of unease among backbenchers at Mr McDowell's elevation to Tánaiste. Fianna Fáil parliamentary party chairman Séamus Kirk said there was "no doubt in my mind that the Minister for Justice will give his all to fulfilling the Government's programme over the next nine months.
"The Minister for Justice has always proved willing to come among us and discuss the issues of the day.
"He has been ready to listen and debate policy matters with us," he said. "I have no doubt that this spirit of co-operation will continue in the future."