Goodbye Bertie, Hello Brian.

Bertie has finally left the office of Taoiseach, as the appointed day has come and gone and new Taoiseach-to-be Brian Cowen prepares himself for that top job. So what problems are on the table for Brian? Where do we start? The Economy, Health, Lisbon Treaty aka European Constitition referendum, cabinet re-shuffle, and where to live. Yes, he's apperently considering Farmleigh House in Dublin as his new residence,which would probably make sense from a practical point of view, but will have his constituents tut-tutting I'm sure.

He'll have a shindig back in the old homestead in Clara at the weekend, where the streets will be thronged with supporters waving the flags, and the bunting, already in evidence about the town, will be augmented even more. He'll get a heroes welcome there, no doubt, but he faces many challenges ahead and should enjoy his day in the Offaly sun on Saturday.

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