Bertie Ahern resigns as Taoiseach - Statement Main Points

The main points from Bertie Aherns speech delivered seconds ago outside government buildings. He will be stepping down on May 6th. (Forgive the jump from 1st to 3rd person and back, it was typed on the go).

My motivation for entering politics was to represent the people of my constituency.

Thanks to all those who campaigned for him and those who are no longer with us.

He has been humbled for over a decade to lead the irish people. He wants to acknoweldge all the people who prayed for him and sent mass cards.

Thanks all ministers, and councillors for loyalty and support during his period oas leader.

Pays tribute to members of party executive and ordinary patriotic men and women of the party. They were a decisive factor in the general election.

Last election signalled the strength of this historic movment. Proud to be elected Taoiseach on three successive occasions.

I said I would strive to build our economy and now we are richer than we have ever been. I promised the priority would be peace on this island, I have kept my word and given all to this cause.

The cycle of hatred in the north has been well and truly broken. GFA provides a framework for an island that can now achieve its full potential.

I have reflects on the path we have travelled and taken stock of my own position. At the end of the month I address the joint houses of congress for me it will be one of hte proudest moments of my political career.

I am proud we have delivered our objective to deliver peace, deliver successive social partnership agrements, brought and end to the days of forced immigration.

As leader I am proud to end the myth that FF is incapable of sustaining coalition government, I have laid the foundations for another successful coalition government after leading the longest coalition government with the Progressive Democrats. I have faith in John Gormley and respect for Harney (special thanks to her as a friend and for her support).

Just as stability is vital in coaliton, it is vital in a political organisation. When elected leader, I said there would be no factions in FF. I am proud to lead a united strong party and focus is on performance not external distractions.

The imiportant work of government and party is being overshadowed by the tribunal of inquiry into me. The story will dominate the agenda for the forseable future. The national insterest demands we look at policy issues and not the minutae of my own personal life and finances.

I look forward to comprehensively dealing with matters at the tirbunal and robustly defending all allegations against me.

I have always placed the interest of the irish people above my own. I will not let my story dominate the body politik.

Never in all the time I served in public life have I put my interest above the public good. I provided more details about my personal finances than any person that has served in public office.

One mistake I have never made is enriching myself by abusing peoples trust. I know people feel some aspects of my finances are unsual. I regret if i have caused concern and confusion.

I made hte best decisions i could at a time of change. I look forward to the tribunals report i will not allow issues to divert from the issue at hand.

It has always been my intention to review my position in the aftermath of the local elections. Having reflected on the need to ensure the work of my ministers is not interrupted.

Once I address both Houses of Congress and receive the visiting President of Japan, I will step down on Tuesday 6th May as Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fail by tendering my resignation to the President.

I will conntinue until then to discharge my duties to the best of my abilites.