Dublin reaction: Politicians took a break from the campaign trail to welcome the restoration of powersharing in Northern Ireland.
At Stormont, Tánaiste Michael McDowell hailed the event as a "truly historic day for the island of Ireland".
The two communities in Northern Ireland, he said, were now "united by common institutions and by a fair system of government based on principles of complete equality. From here on, they have the means to focus on the things they share rather than on the things that divide them."
He said Northern Ireland's potential could be realised "if the new political order translates into a society in which political and economic participation is enjoyed by all on an equal basis."
Mr McDowell added that he looked forward to seeing closer economic links between the two parts of the island.
Welcoming yesterday's events, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny paid tribute to all those who had helped bring Northern Ireland to this point. "This achievement is the result of the work of many governments and political parties on both sides of the Border.
"I look forward to working closely with the new Executive to realise the full economic and social benefits of lasting peace on this island," he added.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said the day's events were "remarkable" and the "culmination of a long and painful journey".
Calling for people in Northern Ireland to "fully support" the PSNI and help eradicate paramilitary activity, he urged all parties and the two governments to work together "to overcome the scourge of sectarianism that remains the Troubles' most divisive and corrosive legacy."