The Taoiseach has called for a Yes vote in tomorrow's referendum on local government and has appealed for a high turnout in the local and European elections.
Amid concern that many voters will stay at home and that most voters do not know about tomorrow's referendum ballot, Mr Ahern said voting was "an investment in our own future and a civic duty".
Reform of local government "will make the decisions made by councillors much more relevant to communities all over the country. It is vitally important that people take the time to make the choice that best represents them."
The referendum, being held in conjunction with the local and European elections, will give "constitutional recognition to local government as a democratic institution directly elected by the people, in the same way as the Dail and the President", Mr Ahern said.
In a statement he said the passage of the constitutional amendment in tomorrow's ballot will also prevent governments from postponing local elections, as they have done frequently in the past. It would also recognise the role of local government in providing a local democratic forum and a wide variety of public services such as social housing, water and sewerage services, roads, fire services, libraries, parks, playgrounds and local community development.
Mr Ahern said the proposed amendment would be much more than symbolic. "Carrying the amendment will have a very practical effect in that the next local elections in 2004 cannot be postponed without the consent of the people. But yes, it is also symbolic and without apology. It is a symbol of commitment to the development and reinvigoration of local government and to giving local people a much greater say in how their local community is organised and administered."
He said the referendum marked a watershed for the local government reform process which is under way and will be backed up by legislation later this year. "A Yes vote will demand future governments to live up to our new beginning for local government," he said.
He appealed in particular to young people to vote, saying "their choice on Friday will determine the shape of their future in many ways over the next five years.
"The poll on Friday will be the opportunity for every citizen to influence the crucial decisions that will be made in local authorities and the European Parliament over the next five years. These decisions will affect every single one of us.
"The European Parliament is becoming even more important," he went on. "Major decisions will be made in Europe in which the stance of the Parliament will be crucial. Next Friday, June 11th, is the opportunity to select the voices in Europe that will best represent us."