The Taoiseach has welcomed today's UVF's statement declaring an end to its armed campaign.
In a statement, Mr Ahern added: "I have always said that the peace process must leave nobody behind and that those who are willing to change will have our support."
He said the announcement was "potentially very important and it should be welcomed".
"I reiterated this point during my recent meeting in Dublin with PUP leader Dawn Purvis." The PUP has links with the UVF.
"Words now need to be borne out with actions and we look forward to their full delivery," Mr Ahern added. "We also look forward to further positive engagement by the UVF with the IICD [Independent International Commission on Decommission] with a view to full decommissioning."
He said the development would open the way for the entire loyalist community to benefit from "the unprecedented opportunity for peace and prosperity that is opened up by next week's historic events.
"At this time our thoughts are with the victims of these organisations who suffered in some terrible atrocities, including in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings," the Taoiseach added.
Downing Street said the loyalist group's move proves the success of the Northern Ireland peace process.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair's spokesman said: "We welcome this announcement but as with statements from other paramilitary groups in the past we await to see it delivered in action.
"What is underlined however, once again, is that the peace process has worked. People can see it working in action, and next week's events will underline that further."
The statement, read out in Belfast by Gusty Spence - one of those who founded the modern, illegal UVF in 1966 - declared all recruitment, training and targeting has ceased.
Intelligence dossiers have been rendered obsolete, and all active service units deactivated, the statement said.