Reaction to the Taoiseach's resignation announcement
"His contributions to our thriving economy and to peace in Northern Ireland were hugely important and he deserves every credit for the work he has done. Bertie Ahern will be remembered as one of the outstanding politicians of his generation both nationally and internationally."
The President Mrs Mary McAleese
"I know that personally this is a very sad day for the Taoiseach and I want to wish him well personally on his retirement as Taoiseach and for his future life. I have to say that this decision was inevitable. The Taoiseach here has bowed to the inevitable based on the weight of his own evidence at the [Mahon] tribunal,"
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.
"I came to the conclusion many months ago that Mr. Ahern would find it impossible to continue in office because of the mounting conflicts and contradictions between the statements he originally made about his financial affairs and the evidence uncovered by the Mahon tribunal,"
Labour Party leader Eammon Gilmore
"What we saw today was a Taoiseach bowing out in a very gracious and graceful way and we should look at the good things that he has done as well as the not so good things that he has done,"
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams
"He has enhanced Ireland's standing in the world."
Tanaiste Brian Cowen
"His political skill, dedication and hard work as Taoiseach has delivered historic, permanent political agreement and peace on the island of Ireland; 11 years of stable, partnership, coalition government; an unsurpassed economic performance; and a higher standing for Ireland in the EU and internationally," Progressive Democrat leader Mary Harney.
"He was prepared to recognise that unionists "had no interest in being part of a United Ireland," the
North's First Minister, the Rev Ian Paisley.
"With Blair, Hain, Paisley and Ahern gone, or going, within the year, the revived Belfast Agreement has not for them proved very propitious. Their shared legacy of unrepentant terrorists at the heart of a rigged form of government is not something in which any of them should take pride." Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister
"He 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." The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown
"He will always be remembered for his crucial role in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland, for transforming relations between Britain and the Irish Republic." Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair .
"During his term in office he made affairs in the North a priority and devoted time and energy to bringing negotiations here to a close, even during difficult personal circumstances."
John Hume