The Taoiseach Mr Ahern has said he regrets the resignation of the Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Peter Mandelson.
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In a brief statement Mr Ahern said: "I regret the circumstances have arise which have led to the resignation of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland of Mr Peter Mandelson.
"I applaud the role he has played in the ongoing inclusive implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
"Both the Minister for Foreign Affairs and I have had a good an effective work relationship with Mr Mandelson during his term in office and I wish him well in the future"
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen also praised Mr Mandelson’s commitment and contribution to the peace process.
"It comes at a time when the two governments and the pro- Good Friday agreement parties are engaged in the most intensive efforts to achieve the full implementation of outstanding aspects of the agreement - a project to which Mr Mandelson was firmly and resolutely committed," Mr Cowen said.
"As he leaves office, although we continue to have difficult issues to resolve, we are confronting them in context of the real progress that has been made in the past year
"Peter will be remembered for the important role he has played in enabling us to come so far - including in achieving the establishment of the institutions (under the terms of the Good Friday agreement) in December, 1999.
"I pay tribute to his significant personal contribution to the peace process, and offer him my best wishes for the future."
