Ahern to make sweeping re-shuffle

Ahern is forecast to promote younger members of his government

DUBLIN, Republic of Ireland -- The Irish parliament has re-elected Bertie Ahern prime minister after his overwhelming victory in general elections last month.

The election of Ahern as Taoiseach, with a vote of 93 against 68, was a formality on Thursday after his party Fianna Fail formed a government with the smaller Progressive Democrats.

Ahern pledged to push for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland during his acceptance speech, as well as to pursue a strong economy during his next five-year term.

"Building a lasting and a just peace on this island is my great political goal -- the priority that I have and will continue to put above all else."

RESULTS Fianna Fail (73) 80  Fine Gael (54) 31  Labour (21) 21  Green Party (2) 6  Sinn Fein (1) 5  PDs (4) 8  Others (11) 14    MORE STORIES Ex-gunrunner becomes Irish MP    EXTRA INFORMATION Key facts about Irish election

The 50-year-old is to confirm his Cabinet later on Thursday, but is likely to put the emphasis on younger members of his government.

Tourism and Sports Minister Dr Jim McDaid, 52, has already said he is to be dropped, the UK's Press Association said.

Other portfolios likely to get a shake-up are education, defence, arts and heritage and marine.

The Progressive Democrats are expected to be given two Cabinet posts as well as junior posts in its role of government partner.

Fianna Fail veteran Rory O'Hanlon -- the father of Ardal O'Hanlon, the star of Irish television show "Father Ted" -- was voted speaker.

Opposition party Fine Gael put up its runner for prime minister Enda Kenny, 51. But Kenny, who only took over her party leadership 24 hours earlier with the resignation of Michael Noonan, stood little chance of victory.

Her party lost 23 seats of its former 54 Dail seats in the May general elections.

A third candidate for prime minister had been Labour Party chief Ruairi Quinn.

After being reaffirmed in office, Ahern went to the official home in Dublin's Phoenix Park of Irish President Mary McAleese to inform her of developments in line with the terms of the country's constitution.

Taking their seats in the new parliament were a record 14 independent members, the four new Green Party members, who cycled to parliament, and a handful of new Sinn Fein politicians.