IRISH politicians were quick to send messages of goodwill and congratulations to the Labour leader, Mr Tony Blair, and the British Labour Party early today, after their landslide general election victory.
Irish party leaders said they looked forward to working with Mr Blair on the peace process and European issues.
Tributes were also paid to the outgoing British Prime Minister, Mr Major.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, described the Labour victory as "remarkable".
He said: "I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Blair on achieving a fair and balanced settlement of the problems of Northern Ireland, within a stable, long term perspective, and with a shared purpose.
The Taoiseach added: "I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister Blair soon and I wish him, and his new administration well in the challenges they face ahead."
Mr Bruton said "The Irish Government is ready to devote itself, with the new government of our nearest neighbour, to building a structure for economic prosperity in Europe, and between our two islands."
The Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, also welcomed Mr Blair to the office.
"May I pass on my congratulations on this decisive result and I look forward to working together with him on Northern Ireland and European issues," Mr Ahern said early today.
The leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, said she hoped the new British prime minister "will immediately undertake to inject new momentum into the stalled peace process in Northern Ireland".
"Without the enthusiastic involvement of the British and Irish governments we cannot hope to make meaningful progress towards a lasting political settlement," Ms Harney said.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister John Major.
"Mr Major's commitment to the peace process throughout his period at 10 Downing Street was, arguably, greater than that of any of his predecessors in modern times," she said.
"I wish him well in the future," Ms Harney said.
