FACTBOX: Reaction to Ahern stepping down as Irish PM

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Bertie Ahern said on Wednesday he would step down as Ireland's prime minister on May 6, bowing to pressure to go early following a string of embarrassing appearances on the witness stand at an anti-corruption tribunal.

Following are comments on his departure:

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN GORDON JOHNDROE

"The president (George W. Bush) has enjoyed his many meetings and working relationship with Prime Minister Ahern and wishes him all the best."

NORTHERN IRELAND FIRST MINISTER IAN PAISLEY

"In sharp contrast with other Irish prime ministers, I enjoyed a good working relationship with Mr. Ahern because he was willing to recognize the position of the Unionist population that they had no interest in being part of a United Ireland. What they wanted to see was mutual co-operation when it worked to the benefit of both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. He and I operated as equals, not as one trying to assimilate the other.

"He came to realize that politically motivated North-Southery with a nationalist trajectory was never going to be acceptable to our community and he conducted himself accordingly.

"His strong popularity with people in the Republic of Ireland is evidenced by his string of election victories and as he steps down from front-line politics in the Republic, we wish him well."

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN