Taoiseach Brian Cowen has congratulated Conservative Party leader David Cameron on his appointment as British prime minister.
The Taoiseach spoke to Mr Cameron by telephone this afternoon.
“I look forward to meeting with him to discuss future relations between Ireland and Britain, in all their dimensions, to build on the great achievements of the peace process in Northern Ireland and to help tackle the enormous challenges now faced by Europe and the world,” Mr Cowen said.
“I wish Mr Cameron all the best as he takes on the challenges and opportunities that now arise with these new responsibilities.”
Mr Cowen also paid tribute to outgoing leader Gordon Brown, saying he was a “very good friend of Ireland who showed a strong commitment to the implementation of the agreements of which both his government and ours are co-guarantors”.
“In our dealings with him, we found him to be an excellent colleague to work with,” he said.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny also congratulated Mr Cameron, wishing him and his new cabinet well in meeting the challenges ahead.
"Having met David Cameron, I know that he has a great interest in Ireland and that he will take a very positive attitude to Anglo-Irish relations and to supporting the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland," Mr Kenny said.
"The creation of this new administration provides the UK with its first change of government since 1997. I hope that Ireland will have the opportunity to do the same as soon as possible," he said.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore wished Mr Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg well “as they embark on the leadership of the British government”, saying he hoped the good working relationship between the two countries would continue under the new regime.
Mr Gilmore also paid tribute to Mr Brown, thanking for the work his administration did in relation to the Republic and Northern Ireland.