The Taoiseach launched in Dublin last night what he described as the definitive Irish parliamentary reference book and guide, The Irish Times Nealon's Guide to the 29th Dáil and Seanad.
Speaking to a large gathering of politicians, journalists and others in Buswell's Hotel, Mr Ahern said the Guide, now in its 10th edition, had "credibility to the point where people consult it without question for information on individual national politicians or statistics on elections".
The Guide has been produced after each election since 1973 by Mr Ted Nealon, former journalist, broadcaster, TD, minister of state and government press secretary.
Mr Nealon has now retired, but the book will continue to be published in collaboration between Gill and Macmillan and The Irish Times.
The design of the book has been modernised somewhat but retains its traditional layout and content. It presents every election count from every constituency; profiles of every TD, senator, MEP and European commissioner; and comment and analysis by The Irish Times political staff.
Remarking on the new look of the Guide, Mr Ahern said it gave the book a livelier feel and made it more appealing to the reader.
"Now, if only it could make the politicians appear more lively and more appealing to the voters then all of us in Leinster House would be very grateful."
Congratulating the editor of The Irish Times, Ms Geraldine Kennedy, and those involved in producing the book, Mr Ahern said he hoped they would be free of the burden of doing it again for another five years.
Addressing the gathering last night, Mr Nealon said he was proud the book would continue to be called Nealon's Guide.
Ms Kennedy, who edited the latest edition, said she was glad Mr Nealon had approached The Irish Times suggesting that it continue publishing the book when he decided he was going to retire.
The Irish Times Nealon's Guide is published by Gill and Macmillan and available in bookshops at €24.99.