The US President-elect, Mr George W. Bush, had a "strong personal interest" in the peace process and a "commitment to moving it forward", the Taoiseach said in a statement on the final result of the presidential election.
"On behalf of the people and Government of Ireland, I warmly congratulate George W. Bush on his election as President of the United States of America and wish him every success in the important challenges of this high office.
"I look forward to continuing our strong economic, cultural and political relations with the United States under his leadership," Mr Ahern said. In a message of congratulation on behalf of Fine Gael, Mr John Bruton said: "While I haven't met President-elect Bush, he does strike me as a thoroughly decent person.
"I believe that as a political leader George W. Bush will bring common sense to the job and that is what is needed right now. I know from talking to Republican Party supporters of Mr Bush that he will continue America's support for peace in Ireland in an even-handed way."
On behalf of the Labour Party, Mr Ruairi Quinn said, "Now that the decision has been reached we wish Mr Bush well when he takes over as President in January and we hope he goes some way to showing the kind of interest that Bill Clinton showed in Ireland."
Mr Quinn also paid tribute to Mr Gore "for the manner in which he handled the difficult issue with which he was confronted over the last five weeks".
The Taoiseach said it had been a remarkably close contest and he congratulated Mr Gore "on his hard-fought campaign".
Mr Ahern recalled a letter he received from Mr Bush during the election campaign expressing strong support for the Good Friday agreement.
"He has made clear that, as President, he will use the prestige and influence of the United States to help develop and deepen the peace process," Mr Ahern said.
The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, congratulated Mr Bush in his new role.
Mr Hume said his party was looking forward to continuing its contact with the US administration and to building a close relationship with President Bush, particularly in areas such as economic co-operation.