The Taoiseach today pledged to support loyalists who wanted to move away from violence and criminality.
Mr Ahern said that in the wake of IRA decommissioning, loyalism also needed to be carried forward by the tide of opportunity.
"I am convinced that there are many within loyalism who wish to play a constructive part in the new landscape of relationships emerging. As with the journey embarked upon by militant Republicans, I recognise that they need space, encouragement and support to move beyond their recent past," he said.
The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), which is linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), said at its annual conference yesterday that it was committed to conflict transformation and building a strong, confident and vibrant loyalist community.
At the annual commemoration of the 1798 rebellion leader Wolfe Tone in Bodenstown cemetery, Co Kildare, Mr Ahern echoed their words. "I pledge today that those seeking genuine efforts at transformation will see a positive and open response from my government," he said.
So far, none of the main loyalist paramilitary groups have made any promises to decommission their weapons.
Mr Ahern said he wanted to tell Unionists there was no constitutional threat to the position of Northern Ireland from the Government.
"Those who used violence to try to force you into a united Ireland have, thankfully, not only stopped their war, but have decommissioned the means by which they waged that war," he said.
Mr Ahern said he held to Wolfe Tone's aim of ridding the island of the evil of sectarianism and `to substitute the common name of Irishman in place of the denominations of Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter'.
PA