Ahern praised as 'architect and ambassador for peace'

TAOISEACH BERTIE Ahern had "brought everything to bear" to achieve peace in Northern Ireland, Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward declared.

"He brought his enthusiasm, his dedication, his optimism, his charm - and, of course, time," Mr Woodward said. Describing Mr Ahern as a true statesman, Mr Woodward said "he will live in our history as a true architect and ambassador for peace".

The legacy is "not only of peace on our streets, but it is certainly true to say, that the relationship between the Irish and British governments has never been closer. Never stronger."

Next month's important economic conference in Belfast will encourage a new level of financial investment from the United States, which has been a crucial ally in bringing peace to Northern Ireland, he added.

British prime minister Gordon Brown, he said, believed the ties between the Republic and the United Kingdom are stronger now than "at any time in our shared history".

"The ambitions we have for our people are mutually shared. We are central to each other's prosperity. The UK is Ireland's largest market. Ireland is our fourth largest market. Trade last year alone was worth £28 billion (€36 billion)," said Mr Woodward, at the British/Irish Studies Institute.

He said the task in the North remains to be completed. "We still remain to complete the transfer of policing and criminal justice," he added.