The Taoiseach has said he shares "the great distress felt by Irish people around the world" at the disappearance of Mr John F. Kennedy jnr's plane.
Mr Ahern said he regretted that the Kennedy family had been hit by yet another tragedy and praised their "long and proud" association with Ireland. The Kennedys represented "all that is positive and honourable about Irish-American heritage, in particular its noble tradition of service", Mr Ahern added.
"Our hearts go out to the members of the Kennedy and Bessette families, but particularly to Caroline, Ted and Jean, who are especially in our thoughts, and to the parents and close family of Carolyn and Lauren Bessette. Our prayers are with them all at this very sad time", the Taoiseach concluded.
The US Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Mike Sullivan, has sent a message to his predecessor, Ms Jean Kennedy Smith, praising the Kennedy family's "extraordinary" contribution to Ireland. He offered the sympathy and prayers of the embassy staff and the Irish people to the Kennedy and Bessette families.
"The tragedy of the accident has caused deep sorrow to all those who have long admired the character and example of John F. Kennedy jnr", Mr Sullivan wrote. "We ask God to give you and your families continuing strength and courage".
Speaking earlier on RTE radio, the ambassador said the disappearance of Mr Kennedy's plane "wells up memories of past tragedies". He said the Kennedy family had inspired not only the United States but the world.
Mr Sullivan spoke of the "internal sorrow" of the Irish and American publics: "We've watched, we've been inspired by the leadership and the public service of the Kennedy families, yet we've mourned over the years with that family, maybe more than any other, because of the tragic circumstances that have beset them from time to time".
