The people were proud of the unique role the former president had played for Ireland over the past seven years, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said yesterday. He led numerous tributes to Mrs Robinson. Some of the highlights of her Presidency, which he described as an outstanding contribution to the nation, at home and abroad, were the "faithful light" in the window; the presidential visits to the US, Australia and India; her address to the houses of the Oireachtas; her high-profile visit to Somalia; and her journeys to Belfast, Warrington and Buckingham Palace.
"She was a president for the people, meeting them in their own communities to see at first hand the great work of local groups.
"She invited groups from every area of national life, North and South, into Aras an Uachtarain, to confirm to them that their work was important to the nation as a whole."
She had been a champion for those who strove to overcome the barriers of disability, disadvantage or marginalisation and take their rightful place in education and in employment.
He said Ireland was proud to be represented at the UN through her work.
The Minister of State for Overseas Development and Human Rights, Ms Liz O'Donnell, said that, as the member of the Government with special responsibility for human rights, she would ensure full support for Mrs Robinson in her new role.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, paid tribute to Mrs Robinson's great energy. Over many thousands of engagements, she established a rapport with many people.
She brought recognition to the heroic work being done by some whose efforts and achievements had often gone unnoticed, he said.
Mr Justin Kilcullen, director of the relief agency, Trocaire, said Mrs Robinson had given the necessary boost that development agencies had been pushing for, for so long, and helped create a climate where there was a significant increase in official aid.
Mr Peter Byrne, director of the National Youth Council of Ireland, said she could talk to young people in a language they could understand. "Rarer still, she was willing to listen to young people and become their most high-profile and powerful advocate in the country."
Mr Roger Acton, chief executive of the Disability Federation of Ireland, said she had been an inspiration to many organisations and community groups who were regularly struggling to achieve results for their members against all the odds.
"Her empathy and concern for people with disabilities in our society was an inspiration to all," he said
Mr Kieran Rose, of Gay HIV/ Strategies, said that their meeting with President Robinson last Tuesday, in her last week in office, was a clear signal that she was determined to value the contribution of the gay community and HIV/AIDS workers. "We cannot return to the old days of exclusion and neglect and each presidential hopeful must be asked whether they will welcome the lesbian and gay community - those who are HIV positive or living with AIDS and other marginalised groups - into the Aras."