THE Ulster Unionist party has praised the President, Mrs Robinson, for bringing a "more pleasant and acceptable face to Irish nationalism" and expressed some regret that she is not standing for reelection.
The party secretary, Mr Jim Wilson, said that there was a "certain amount of disappointment" within the UUP at Mrs Robinson's decision. He described her as one of the more enlightened nationalist representatives. She "unquestionably conveyed that she cared about ordinary people", he said.
However, Mr Ian Paisley jnr of the DUP said that "no unionists worth their salt" would have anything positive to say about Mrs Robinson.
"I hope that the next Irish President will not interfere in the internal affairs of Northern Ireland in the intrusive and arrogant way that Mrs Robinson took it upon herself to do," he said.
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, said Mrs Robinson would be fondly remembered for seeking to embrace excluded communities and reaching out to the Irish diaspora across the world.
She had placed women's rights and equality for all citizens very firmly on the political agenda, he said. "Her visits to the North were particularly memorable. I wish her well and every success in the future."
The SDLP's women's affairs spokeswoman, Ms Brid Rodgers, expressed deep regret at Mrs Robinson's decision. "I have known Mary Robinson for many years and served with her in the Irish Senate. She has been the most successful president that Ireland has known and has brought women centre stage in Irish politics," she said.
Ms Rodgers said that her tireless efforts to "reach out to everyone on this island, North and South, unionist and nationalist", would be remembered by many.
Mrs Robinson's persistent lobbying on behalf of those on the margins of society would be a lasting testament to herself and her office, she said. Ms Rodgers said she hoped Mrs Robinson would continue in public service in another capacity.
The Alliance leader, Lord Alderdice, described Mrs Robinson's election as a watershed in Irish politics. "She represented a new spirit of tolerance and pluralism which swept like a breath of fresh air through the conservative corridors of Irish political life," he said.
"She will bring these qualities wherever she decides to go, but her departure will leave an uncertainty about the future."