Congratulations and good wishes from across the political spectrum greeted President-elect Mary McAleese last night. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said: "She takes over a constitutional position and moves outside the political domain. I look forward to working with her in the future. The State has elected a President who will serve it well, nationally and internationally."
The former president, Mrs Mary Robinson, sent "warm congratulations". "Throughout my term in office I greatly appreciated the support of my distinguished predecessor, Dr Patrick Hillery, and I wish to offer my full support to Prof McAleese in every appropriate way".
The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, said Mary Banotti had received the biggest vote of any Fine Gael candidate in a national election for 16 years or more. "Having said that, it is Mary McAleese's night."
The Labour leader, Mr Dick Spring, said that the party was disappointed with the result. "We have had success and loss before, and we will come back to fight again."
The Democratic Left leader, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, congratulated Mrs McAleese, saying: "As President, elected through the democratic process, Mary McAleese is entitled to the respect and allegiance of all citizens."
Dana's vote was a "victory for the unborn child", according to a statement from Youth Defence.
The US-based Irish National Caucus said in Washington last night the victory was "a vindication of the peace process and cause for more hope for Northern Ireland".
