Tribute paid to retiring Prime Minister

Chief Minister Tony Brown is paying tribute to Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, who announced his retirement today.

Mr Brown says Mr Ahern is a 'quiet man and a real gentleman'.

He agrees with the widely held belief that he will be best remembered for his pivotal role in the Good Friday peace process.

Mr Brown says he was an interesting man to talk to and a good friend to the Isle of Man (audio file attached):

(Picture: Bertie Ahern at the Villa Marina in Douglas, during a meeting of the British Irish Council, in 2004).