THE President, Mrs Robinson, was among the first to congratulate Ken Doherty on becoming the world snooker champion in Sheffield last night.
She warmly congratulated the 27 year old Dubliner and said he was a "great ambassador for Ireland and a fine role model for all young sports people. You have done us proud".
In previously winning the world amateur championship and in captaining the Irish team to reach the final, he showed great determination, courage and skill. In last night's victory, "you combined all of these attributes with nerves of steel", Mrs Robinson said.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, sent his "heartiest congratulations". Doherty's defeat of the man who held the title for five years was a tribute to his determination and the many years of hard work. "I know that Irish people everywhere salute and celebrate our new world champion."
The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, sent his congratulations. "For those of us watching at home his victory transformed our national anxiety - when Steve Hendry started to climb back into the game - into justified, pride at his amazing victory.
The Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Aherne, said Doherty's victory was a "just reward for all his endeavours over the years and another great honour and achievement for Irish sport".
The leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, said "yet again a small country has proved a world beater and we're all immensely proud of him".
Dublin was rightly proud of Doherty, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Brendan Lynch, said, concluding "Bravo, Ken".