The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, yesterday led tributes from Dublin to Dr Mo Mowlam, who has announced her intention to retire from British politics at the next election.
Mr Cowen said he learned of Dr Mowlam's decision with "deep regret". He was sure she would have an honoured place when the history of the peace process was written.
"Dr Mowlam made an extraordinary contribution to the negotiations which led to the Good Friday agreement. Her deep commitment to peace, equality and human rights profoundly influenced the outcome of these negotiations," he said.
Mr Cowen described Dr Mowlam as "a warm, decent human being" who touched the lives of many people in Ireland, North and South, "for the better".
The Minister said that when Dr Mowlam stepped down from parliament, she would carry with her the goodwill of the Irish people. "I want to wish her and her family the very best for the future. The people of Ireland will forever be in her debt for the enormous contribution she made to peace in our country," he said.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, said Dr Mowlam's term of office as secretary of state was characterised by great progress in the peace process.
"Her candour, good humour and political ability played a significant part in bringing the peace process to the point of an all-party agreement," he said.
He said her "no-nonsense" frankness was a considerable asset in bringing clarity and focus to the vital work she did.
The Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, said the Irish people would always owe Dr Mowlam a huge debt of gratitude for her work in the run-up to the Belfast Agreement.
"Mo Mowlam will be remembered in Ireland not just for her political ability but also for the warmth of her personality and her genuine interest in people. Politics will be duller without her," Mr Quinn said.
He added that the enormous personal courage Ms Mowlam displayed in coping with serious illness at a time when the political demands on her were very high typified her whole approach to life.
The former minister for foreign affairs, Fianna Fail TD Mr David Andrews, said Dr Mowlam had demonstrated great courage and political foresight, often during extremely difficult times.
"I count myself as extremely fortunate as one of those who worked alongside Mo Mowlam during these times. Her commitment to finding an agreement and her ability to empathise with the people of the North of Ireland set her aside as one of the most able politicians of her time," Mr Andrews said.