Former US president Bill Clinton last night sent his good wishes to Northern Ireland politicians in a lengthy call with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Mr Clinton, who played a leading role in the early stages of the peace process, is not attending today's inauguration ceremony in Belfast.
Mr Clinton and Mr Ahern spoke during a one-hour telephone conversation. "Both men reminisced about the many obstacles that had to be overcome along the path to peach and democracy in Northern Ireland," a Government source said.
"Mr Clinton also took the opportunity to send his best wishes to politicians attending tomorrow's power sharing inauguration ceremony at Stormont.
"Mr Ahern thanked Mr Clinton for his kind words," the source said.
The Taoiseach is attending today's event with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other dignitaries who played a role in the peace process.