Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has rejoined Fianna Fáil some 11 years after resigning from the party following the report of the Mahon Tribunal.
A Fianna Fáil spokesperson said this evening that it had received a membership application from Mr Ahern and this has been accepted by the party.
The move is being welcomed by many in Fianna Fáil coming as it does just weeks before the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Dublin Bay South TD Jim O'Callaghan said it was important and appropriate that Bertie Ahern, as one of the driving forces of that agreement, rejoins the party.
Former minister Éamon Ó Cuiv said: "I am delighted. He has a huge contribution to make."
The Galway West TD said Mr Ahern is one the few figures who has a "good standing" with both republicans and loyalists in Northern Ireland.
Dublin South West TD John Lahart said "we don't live in a cancel culture; Bertie Ahern has something unique to contribute to political developments on this island".
