The Taoiseach today wrote to the new Palestinian president to pledge Ireland's support for early progress in the Middle East peace process.
Fatah leader Mr Mahmoud Abbas won 62.3 per cent of the vote in Sunday's presidential elections.
Mr Ahern congratulated Mr Abbas on his election and promised Ireland's continuing support to bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He also commended Mr Abbas and other Palestinian leaders on maintaining stability since President Yasser Arafat's death in November.
A Government spokesman added: "Mr Ahern stressed the importance of renewing political negotiations at a very early date with a view to concrete progress. "He pointed that this will depend on all parties demonstrating a renewed vigour and determination to achieve results."
The Taoiseach said immediate priorities included ending violence, easing restrictions on Palestinians and providing financial and technical support to the Palestinian Authority.
Mr Ahern indicated the Government's readiness to assist the Palestinian Authority in their efforts to move forward.
He urged Mr Abbas to work vigorously to ensure that Palestinians meet their obligations under the Road Map to peace.
He pledged that Ireland, through its membership of the European Union, and its relations with Israel, United States and Arab and other key partners would support early action to advance the implementation of the road map.