The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, paid tribute yesterday to Mr John Bruton for his contribution to public life as leader of Fine Gael.
"He filled the office of Taoiseach with dignity and distinction. During his period of office, he helped sustain the strong economic growth that began in 1993/1994 and that has continued since. He worked conscientiously to advance the peace process and helped put in place the structures to make the all-party talks productive."
He had always found Mr Bruton honourable in his dealings and he thanked him for the good working relationship which they had.
"I wish John, Finola and the family well in the future. I am sure that with his long and valuable experience, he still has very much to contribute to this country in whatever capacity he chooses."
The Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, said he wished to pay tribute on behalf of his party. "I have known John Bruton for more than 25 years and I have always had the height of respect for him as a politician, a parliamentarian and a person of political courage. He was a man who thought deeply about political policies and, while we disagreed on many issues, there was never any doubt about his personal integrity."
He said the rainbow coalition which Mr Bruton led was one of the most stable and successful coalition administrations in the history of the State. "I am particularly proud of the close way we worked together as Taoiseach and minister for finance respectively in that government to lay the basis for the great economic success the country has enjoyed in recent years." In the Dail, the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said Mr Bruton was one of the original thinkers in the House. "He has been Taoiseach, minister for finance twice, minister for industry and commerce, minister for industry and energy, and also had a number of junior ministerial posts.
"I think I can speak for everybody in the House when I say that we want to wish him well. He is an honest, decent person of the highest integrity."