LONDON, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Irish Premier Bertie Ahern officially resigned on Tuesday evening after 11 years as Taoiseach.

    Ahern placed his resignation in the hands of President Mary McAleese on Tuesday in accordance with the Constitution, after attending the opening of the historical Battle of the Boyne site in County Louth, north of the capital Dublin with outgoing Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley, Sky news reported.

    In his speech at the opening, Ahern paid tribute to the contribution of the 82-year-old Democratic Unionist Party leader to the Northern Ireland peace process.

    "I would like to commend you for the leadership you showed in helping bring about the famous day in May last year when the democratic institutions were restored," he said, lauding Paisley's efforts in laying the foundations for a peaceful and prosperous future in Northern Ireland.

    Ahern will be succeeded by current Tanaiste Brian Cowen, the deputy prime minister, on Wednesday when the latter will be nominated to the Office in the Dail Parliament.

    Ahern announced his resignation early last month amid mounting pressure over his personal finances, which are currently being investigated by an anti-corruption inquiry.