Bertie Ahern will step down as Ireland's prime minister on May 6 to fight corruption allegations that have dogged his final term in office and risk tarnishing his legacy of helping deliver peace in Northern Ireland.
With little change expected in overall policy direction, the first task facing his likely successor, Finance Minister and fellow Fianna Fail party member Brian Cowen, will be to secure a "yes" vote in a referendum when Irish voters will determine the fate of the European Union's reform treaty.
The treaty replaces a constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005 and some EU diplomats had feared revelations at an inquiry looking into Ahern's finances would make it harder for him to persuade people to back it.
"He believes we have to refocus our energies on the important poll that now has to take place in early June for the Lisbon treaty," Justice Minister Brian Lenihan told RTE. "It is very important for Ireland that we get a yes vote."
An emotional Ahern said earlier he had done nothing wrong but would leave only a year after winning a historic third term so his government could focus on running the country.
"It is a matter of real concern to me that the important work of government and party is now being over shadowed by issues relating to me," Ahern, flanked by cabinet colleagues, told a hastily assembled televised news conference.
"I know in my heart of hearts I have done nothing wrong."
Among Ahern's final duties will be a trip to the United States to address a joint session of Congress on April 30.
One of Europe's longest serving premiers after almost 11 years, Ahern had previously said this would be his last term in office but he did not intend to go until it ended in 2012.
Widely praised for his work with former Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. President Bill Clinton in ending conflict in Northern Ireland, Ahern's star has been on the wane after revelations he received money from businessmen.
"RIGHT THING"
