The President was delighted at the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Mr Hume and Mr Trimble. Mrs McAleese, who is in Boston, said: "It has to be seen as a major encouragement to the peace process and to all those who brought about the creation of it. Of course, it singled out two people for special mention. But John Hume very generously said he believed it was to encourage and to thank everybody involved."

She gave particular praise to Mr Hume and Mr Trimble. "No one deserves it more than John Hume," she said. "He has devoted his entire life to the peace process and it really is the culmination of his life's work.

"Similarly with David Trimble; we see the enormous leap he has made in recent times to be able to bring the unionist population into the peace process, and he has been a very major driver forward of the peace process."

The prize was a recognition of the courage of both men and their work with other political leaders to bring about peace. "I was particularly taken by the statement of the Nobel prize committee which recognised the work of the three governments involved, the British government, the Irish Government and of course the government of the US," she added.

The Mayor of Boston, Mr Thomas Menino, said the Nobel Prize had gone to "two great Irish peacemakers . . . It is our hope that the tragedy of Northern Ireland will be turned into a triumph of peace for al the people of Northern Ireland."

The Taoiseach described the award as a deserved prize "to two of the principal architects of the Good Friday Agreement". "John Hume has given all his political life to the pursuit of peace and to the building of a new society in Northern Ireland and this recognition has long been earned. David Trimble deserves great credit for the leadership he has given to the unionist community."

The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, said in a statement: "This is brilliant news and well deserved. I heartily congratulate both men."

The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said the prize was a "fitting tribute to two courageous politicians who have taken immense risks in their search for a lasting peace" in the North. The Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, said the Nobel Prize was "a testament to how much has been achieved" but "some obstacles remain to be overcome. I hope that this decision will focus thoughts once again on the difficulties ahead and renew our collective determination to overcome them. The people of Northern Ireland deserve no less."

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, said it was a "proud day" for the men and their families.

The Minister of State, Ms Liz O'Donnell, said both men had displayed courageous leadership in the agreement negotiations.

Church leaders were lavish in their congratulations. The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, was "delighted". "One of the aims of the prize is to encourage others to follow the example of the winners. I hope this will help to convince those who have still to be convinced that the Good Friday Agreement is the best was forward."

The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Robin Eames, said the prize represented work and courageous service to all the people of Northern Ireland in the cause of peace. "It is also a reminder that we are all involved in the ongoing road to stability and lasting peace."

Two of Mr Hume's colleagues in the European Parliament, Ms Bernie Malone of the Labour Party and Ms Nuala Ahern of the Green Party, also congratulated him. Ms Malone said the award reflected Mr Hume's "immense integrity"; Ms Ahern described it as a "fantastic, deserved honour".