Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern announced Wednesday that he will resign in May.

  Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern

The announcement came a day after Ahern began a court challenge to limit the work of a public inquiry probing planning corruption in the 1990s. The tribunal is probing Ahern's personal finances.

"This is solely a personal decision, what I announce today is inspired by a desire to re-focus the political dynamic in this country," he addressed the Irish nation, flanked by his cabinet, outside the Parliament in Dublin.

"I have decided, of my own volition, to complete my duties over the next month, and then it is my intention to tender my resignation to President Mary McAleese on Tuesday, 6th of May," he said.

"I will also be standing down as leader of Fianna Fail," he added.

Ahern won international acclaim for his historic role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

As one of Europe's longest-serving heads of government after almost 11 years in office, he had previously said this would be his last term in office, but that he did not intend to go until it ended in 2012.

Ireland's Finance Minister, Brian Cowen, is favorite to take over as prime minister.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2008)