Ahern congratulates Blair on election victory

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern congratulated his "close personal friend" Tony Blair on his election victory today.

Mr Ahern said he "greatly values" his friendship and working relationship with the Labour Party leader, particularly in their efforts to secure a deal in the Northern Ireland peace process.

"This real and stable partnership between the Irish and British governments has been vitally important in

recent years, and it will remain so as we seek to bring all outstanding issues to successful finality," he said in a statement.

"Together, and as joint guarantors, we are absolutely committed to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

"Now that the elections are over, it is time to get on with this vital project, to resolve the crisis of trust and move beyond the current stalemate," the Taoiseach said.

Labour's Pat Rabbitte said Mr Blair's victory was "unprecedented" and would be good for Anglo-Irish relations.

"I hope that, in particular, it will now provide the impetus for renewed efforts to advance the political process in Northern Ireland on an all-party and inclusive basis," he said.

"We have watched the British general election campaign with great interest and we believe that there is much that this party can learn from the political successes of Labour over the past three general elections," he said.