Taoiseach praises Reid's contribution

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has praised former Northern Secretary John Reid's contribution to the peace process and has congratulated him on his appointment as chairman of the British Labour Party.

Dr Reid's transfer was announced this morning as part of a cabinet reshuffle in Britain.

He will be replaced in the Northern Ireland Office by former Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy.

In a statement released this afternoon, Mr Ahern said the Government is looking forward to working closely with Mr Murphy.