Ahern reaction in quotes

QUOTES: His ability to bring people together and to find consensus, where there had been none before, is unsurpassed - Turlough O'Sullivan Director General of Ibec

His decision to resign places an obligation on all our political leaders to focus on the key issues confronting us, such as the growing inequality in our society, the creeping privatisation and diminution of our public health service - Siptu President Jack O'Connor

As first lady and senator, I have had the honour to work with him on several occasions. His leadership during the time leading up to the agreement and the 10 years following have resulted in significant progress even when the outlook was unclear - Hillary Clinton

I can tell you that personally I am very sorry that Bertie Ahern has decided to leave. He is a good friend and he has been a great partner and we have been working very closely - European Commission president José Manuel Barroso

Bertie Ahern has been an outstanding statesman, and has made an historic contribution in helping to bring peace to Northern Ireland, transforming Ireland's relationship with the UK, and playing a key role in the development of a forward-looking and dynamic Europe - Former British prime minister Tony Blair

He came to realise that politically motivated 'north-southery' with a nationalist trajectory was never going to be acceptable to our community and he conducted himself accordingly - Dr Ian Paisley

He has had some remarkable achievements in his period in office and, in particular, nobody will dispute the huge personal and political effort he put into securing a political settlement in Northern Ireland - Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times