The Gaelic Athletic Association's decision to abolish rule 21 barring members of the British security forces from membership has been warmly received in the Republic and Northern Ireland by all sides, with the exception of Sinn FΘin.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said Saturday's decision at a special GAA congress in Dublin had been "a difficult one". "I am pleased that it happened. It wasn't easy for the GAA. It is a major change, but it is a very significant one."
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, said it was "a constructive step" that was good for the GAA and for the country.
"Above all, it is good for those people, from North and South, who are considering a career in the new Police Service of Northern Ireland," he said.
Far from happy, Sinn FΘin conceded, nevertheless, that the battle had been lost. The party's president, Mr Gerry Adams, said: "It is a democratic organisation. It is time to unite behind it."
The decision should not be seen as an endorsement of any political party or policing service, he said, adding pointedly that five Northern countries had wanted to retain Rule 21.
"These are the counties that have suffered most as a consequence of partition, the British military presence and the existence of a paramilitary pro-unionist police force," he said.
The Fine Gael Leader, Mr Michael Noonan said he believed "as a lifelong supporter of the association" that the GAA's decision had shown "great generosity and courage".
All-Ireland medal holder, Fine Gael TD Mr Jimmy Deenihan said: "In the past, the GAA was instrumental in healing rifts between families and communities in post-Civil War Ireland. I hope this momentous decision will help to heal community rifts in Northern Ireland and encourage members of the unionist community to participate in Gaelic games."
Sinn FΘin's acceptance of the rule 21 decision was done with "with very much regret", said Newry and Armagh Assembly member, Mr Conor Murphy, who said, however, he understood why the decision was taken. It was important, however, to note that all Northern counties bar Down opposed its removal.
"In my view this vote reflects the widespread concern about current arrangements and the belief that it does not represent the new beginning set by the Good Friday agreement," Mr Murphy said.
The vote was not one of support for the North's new policing arrangements.
"On the contrary it is a resounding rejection of those arrangements. The British government especially needs to realise that if it wants a broad-based partnership in policing arrangements to which republicans and nationalists can give our allegiance, then it needs to do more to create the conditions in which that can happen."
He called for unity within the GAA following "this most difficult debate".
The North's Minister of Arts, Culture and Leisure, Mr Michael McGimpsey, said the result paved the way for a more inclusive society. He looked forward to attending a major GAA occasion following the deletion of Rule 21.
Dr John Reid, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, welcomed the decision. "This is a progressive decision made by an association that played a large and important role in community life North and South," he said.
The SDLP deputy leader, Mrs Br∅d Rodgers, also welcomed the vote. "A new beginning to policing in Northern Ireland has been widely recognised as an essential part of the Good Friday agreement," she said. In taking this decision, the GAA, given its huge influence and importance in Ireland, North and South, has contributed enormously to the creation of an ambience within which a truly representative new policing service can take root."
An Alliance Party spokesman, Mr Michael Long, said the abolition of the rule would open Gaelic games to wider audiences previously alienated by this "sectarian ban".