The Women's Coalition has been singled out for special praise by the Taoiseach for its role in securing the Belfast Agreement.
Mr Ahern told Fianna Fail's national women's conference: "I know that members of the established political parties will not begrudge in any way if I make special mention of the outstanding contribution of the Women's Coalition, who, without the benefit of a party network, resources or administration, bravely stood their ground, stated their case, and insisted gently on being heard."
The Taoiseach's special adviser, Dr Martin Mansergh, said one of the Women's Coalition's particular achievements was the establishment of a civic forum. Mr Ahern and Dr Mansergh were speaking during a debate on "women and peace," which was chaired by Senator Ann Leonard.
The British Labour MP, Ms Helen Jackson, who is parliamentary private secretary to the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, expressed concern that there would be few women - possibly between five and nine - elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
"This would make the Assembly by far the worst represented assembly in European terms as far as gender balance is concerned. Every single party in the North, helped by parties in the South, has got to take on board that problem as a major issue."
When a delegate said that women should be elected on merit, and not on a gender basis, Ms Jackson replied that women must believe, as men did, that they deserved to be elected.
Ms Avila Kilmurray, of the Women's Coalition, said peace-building could not be delegated to politicians alone. "Indeed it can be conceived as a privilege, with its broad base rooted in the actions and views of local communities and active citizens."
Ms Bairbre de Brun, a member of Sinn Fein's ardchomhairle, said she was not neutral and could not speak for all women on the peace issue, but agreed there should be greater representation of women in party delegations or in groupings seeking inclusion.
The chairwoman of the Fianna Fail national women's forum, the Dublin Central TD, Ms Marian McGennis, said women had played an enormous part in securing the Yes vote on the Belfast Agreement. "That part has been acknowledged, applauded and celebrated. Now the task is to use the energy and idealism to get women into the Assembly."
