Theaoiseach yesterday told British travel agents that Ireland "is open for business and tourists will be as welcome as ever here".
Addressing the Independent Travel Agents' conference in Killarney, Mr Ahern said: "You are good neighbours - the best neighbours. And because of that our thoughts are with all people in British farming and tourism as the dreaded foot-and-mouth continues to stalk your land."
Ireland had only one outbreak, Mr Ahern told the conference attended by 600 people. Vigilance and community spirit had been great allies in fighting the disease. Neither the weather, the people nor the scenery had been affected, he said.
"If I have one message for you today, it is this - the country is open for business and tourists will be as welcome as ever here. We are ready and open to receive visitors, particularly those from Britain, and we are absolutely delighted to see them. Perhaps in these tough times, never more so." There was a standing ovation, as Mr Roger Smith, president of conference organisers Advantage Travel Centres, interrupted proceedings to announce "the Irish Prime Minister".