Senior Irish political figures yesterday paid tribute to the outgoing Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr John Reid, and welcomed his successor to the post.
The Taoiseach said the Government looked forward to working with the new Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Mr Paul Murphy, and said Mr Reid had played a significant role in advancing the implementation of the Good Friday agreement.
"I would like to express my personal appreciation and the appreciation of the Government for his valuable contribution to the process. I warmly congratulate him and wish him the very best in his appointment."
Mr Ahern said the Government looked forward to working in the closest possible way with Mr Murphy as the two Governments seek to manage the current difficulties and challenges.
The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, expressed her appreciation for the role played by Dr Reid in overcoming many "complex challenges" which arose during his two years' tenure.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, congratulated Dr Reid on his appointment to the post of Labour Party chairman, but expressed his personal regret that he was relinquishing his portfolio as Northern Secretary.
"During his nearly two years in office as Secretary of State, John has applied his considerable political talents, his formidable intellect and his enviable communication skills to significantly advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland."
Mr Cowen said that as he prepared to leave Northern Ireland, Dr Reid could derive considerable satisfaction from the impressive progress made during his tenure, including two acts of arms decommissioning and the encouraging establishment of the new policing dispensation.
"John will be genuinely missed in Northern Ireland and, indeed, on the island as a whole.
"Our regret at John's departure is mitigated by the fact that his successor, Paul Murphy, is no stranger to Northern Ireland. As a previous minister at the Northern Ireland Office, Paul had been a very respected and able member of the team that delivered the Good Friday agreement."
He said that while Mr Murphy arrived in Northern Ireland at a challenging time, his innate skills, previous experience and perceptive understanding of the nature of the political problem would be valuable resources in trying to quickly resolve the current difficulties and fully realise the promise of the Good Friday agreement.
The Fine Gael Leader, Mr Enda Kenny, welcomed Mr Murphy to his new position. "During his time as minister in Northern Ireland, Paul gained the respect of all involved in the peace process and will bring a good understanding of the main personalities and issues to the job," he said.
The Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, said Dr Reid had put enormous energy and commitment into trying to advance the political process in Northern Ireland, despite having to face what seemed like an endless series of crises.
"I want to also congratulate Paul Murphy on his appointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. He has considerable experience of the situation in Northern Ireland."