The Government has welcomed the capture of Saddam Hussein by saying it represented a "great day for the Iraqi people."
"Hopefully this can begin to bring some closure for Iraq's citizens, and expedite the restoration of democracy in the coutrry," a Government spokeswoman said.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has not yet made a statement.
The US administrator in Iraq Mr Paul Bremer, announced the capture of Hussein at a Baghdad news conference this morning.
Fine Gael's foreign affairs spokesman Mr Gay Mitchell said Saddam's arrest "must be welcomed by all democrats and people of justice."
Mr Mitchell added "As Ireland is about to take on the EU Presidency it should use its role in the region, to ensure that representatives of the Iraqi people are properly consulted on the route to be taken in bringing Saddam Hussein to account."
