The Taoiseach has paid tribute to former president of the European Commission Gaston Thorn who has died. A state funeral will take place in Luxembourg on Friday.
"I was saddened to learn of the death of Gaston Thorn. Gaston Thorn served his country and Europe at the highest levels with great distinction," Mr Ahern said.
"As president of the European Commission, he was, in many ways, ahead of his time in working to lay the foundations for the single market which helped create our successful, modern European economy. He was a great European and a great friend of Ireland," Mr Ahern said.
He expressed condolences to his family and the people of Luxembourg. Ireland's ambassador to Luxembourg Martin Burke will attend the state funeral.