Taoiseach's reaction: The Taoiseach has said he expects the next PD leader to deliver the same commitment to stable, full-term government that he had with Mary Harney.
"If I did receive that commitment it's business as usual. If I didn't, well, then, it would be a different position. But one way or another I will lead a government into the next election," Mr Ahern told reporters after paying tribute to the Tánaiste yesterday evening.
Mr Ahern said he had an understanding with Ms Harney in 1997 that their government would provide stable government until 2002 on an agreed programme and they had delivered on this. There was never any doubt about this.
"I have a similar understanding and agreement that that is the position to the next election. Obviously, I don't have that with the new leader . . . so I would ask and expect to receive from the new leader that same commitment."
However, he would not tolerate disunity, he warned. "It's not something I tolerate in my party, on the national executive, or on councils. I run a unified, collegiate Cabinet and I will continue to do so and I will demand that clear commitment."
If he didn't get the commitment from the new leader, he wouldn't have the certainty to build a programme and he would have to discuss the matter with his Fianna Fáil colleagues. However, there would be no early election.
The Taoiseach paid warm tribute to his Cabinet colleague of the past nine years, describing her as a great colleague, a great friend and an excellent person to work with. Ms Harney could take a large part of the credit for what they had achieved together.
"I want to wish her well away from the leadership of her party hope she continues on as Minister for Health and Children."
He ruled out any extra representation for the PDs at senior ministerial level in the event of a new leader being elected who is not a member of Cabinet.
The Pleadership contest would not have any effect on the workings of government, he said, particularly as it would be happening so quickly.
Mr Ahern said the Tánaiste told him of her decision at a meeting yesterday and he had not tried to change her mind. He declined to express a preference for any of the frontrunners.
