Ahern hails Ted Kennedy as 'outstanding friend of Ireland'

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By Colm Heatley

Wednesday August 26 2009

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has paid tribute to US senator Edward Kennedy.

Ahern spoke fondly of Kennedy, praising him for the role he played in the peace process and for the special interest he took in Irish affairs.

“He was an outstanding friend of Ireland, for me he was a great personal friend as well. From a political point of view he was an outstanding contact for Ireland on the world scene." Ahern told Bloomberg News.

“He kept in touch with everything to do with Ireland, the economy of Ireland, the culture of Ireland, right through the 30 years of the Troubles in the North he was one of the outspoken voices in favour of trying to bring a peaceful resolution and justice to nationalists."

- Colm Heatley

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