After the announcement today that Bertie Ahern would be stepping aside as Taoiseach in May, Progressive Unionist Party Leader Dawn Purvis MLA had the following to say.

“I would like to pay tribute to Bertie Ahern and the contribution he has made towards bringing peace and accountable democracy to Northern Ireland.   As Taoiseach Mr. Ahern has sacrificed both his time and also his self in forwarding our peace process.”

Dawn continued “Not afraid to make difficult decisions or recommendations including removing articles 2 and 3 from the Irish Constitution, Mr Ahern has played a valuable and constructive role in our history, helping to broker and now implement the Good Friday Agreement.

“He sought to understand Loyalism and to ensure they played a role in creating peace, the PUP and the late David Ervine certainly appreciated his efforts.”

Dawn concluded, “This announcement comes at a poignant time, so close to the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. It is my firm belief that history will be kind to Bertie Ahern’s political role and to all of us who supported and advocated on behalf of the Agreement as the basis for a political solution in Northern Ireland.”