Former US president Bill Clinton has tipped the Taoiseach for success on the world stage after he quits Irish politics.
In discussing the political contribution of Bertie Ahern, Mr Clinton said: "He's [the Taoiseach] pretty great. He has established a record in office - and is about to establish a bigger one. He would be ideally positioned to have a big impact [on the world stage], if he chooses to do so, and he's very highly regarded."
Mr Clinton makes the comments in an interview on RTE Radio One's Tubridy Showto be broadcast this morning. The president is to discuss his new book, Giving: How Each Of Us Can Change The World.
But Mr Clinton also discusses the peace process in the interview and claims Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams told him that Rev Ian Paisley has become Martin McGuinness's "new best friend".
The ex-president claims Mr Adams told him: "It's almost like he's [McGuinness] got a new best friend here, and I've been left out in the cold. They love working together."