The Minister for Foreign Affairs has praised Mr David Trimble for having led unionism "from the front" to bring about political progress.
At the publication in Dublin last night of a new book on the UUP leader by Irish Times London Editor, Frank Millar, Mr Ahern said the book gave a clear account of the differences between Mr Trimble and successive Irish governments.
However, he said, the Government and the UUP had shared broad objectives. These included an end to all paramilitary violence, as well as partnership, reconciliation, respect for difference and the establishment of institutions recognising the complexity of relationships on these islands.
He said Mr Trimble "understood early the need for unionism to engage with and to shape change." While he strongly pursued unionist goals, it showed his "political creativity and resourcefulness" in proposing solutions intended to move things forward.
"He has, I believe, also understood the political constraints on others, even if he has not always been able publicly to admit this."
He said this was the third book on Mr Trimble to emerge in recent times. "It is a measure of Frank's skill and of the complexity of his subject that he has found a fresh angle . . . It is probing and rigorous. It doesn't shy away from hard questions. And, to his huge credit, nor does David Trimble."
David Trimble: The Price of Peace will be published tomorrow by the Liffey Press at €15.95 in paperback and €29.95 in hardback.