The Good Friday Agreement has been hailed as a "victory for politics and leadership" by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, but he has also said that the work of building peace is not over.
In a speech to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the accord, Mr Martin said the process of securing peace was a victory for democracy which is still honoured around the world.
"It is a reminder of how far we have come and that, no matter what obstacles we face, we can still push forward to secure the full potential for peace and reconciliation on our island."
But he added that along with celebrating what was achieved, there was a duty to understand that the work of building peace is not over.
"It falls to us to build a genuine reconciliation and progress for all on our island. We need political institutions to return to working on behalf of the people."
Mr Martin was speaking at a Fianna Fáil event this evening at UCD held to commemorate the Peace Process and the Good Friday Agreement.
'Historic progress'
The Fianna Fáil leader also paid tribute to former taoiseach Bertie Ahern whose work, he said was "truly remarkable".
"With the eyes of the world on him and working hand in hand with two major international leaders in Tony Blair and Bill Clinton, he showed a skill and determination which helped deliver genuinely historic progress."
Mr Ahern has recently rejoined the Fianna Fáil party after ten years outside the fold following the revelations in the Mahon Tribunal report.
Mr Martin also acknowledged the work of Fianna Fáil MEPs Billy Kelleher and Barry Andrews for their efforts at the European Parliament in maintaining support for peace in Ireland.
"It is especially fitting to have Barry in this role, given the service of his father David as Minister for Foreign Affairs during the negotiations. David's unflappable good humour was one of the many highlights of those days for me."
Mr Martin said that Fianna Fáil remained committed to the spirit of the Agreement and would do everything possible to help return effective government to Belfast.
