President Chirac: Best wishes to Blair

World leaders have sent their congratulations to the prime minister as he secures a historic third election victory.

Despite a reduction in Labour's vote, Tony Blair will return to the world stage - where he is due to lead both Britain's presidency of the G8 and the European Union this year.

President Chirac of France, who has had major disagreements with the prime minister in the past, sent his best wishes to Number 10. 

"It is with great pleasure that I send you my warmest congratulations on your new election victory," he said.

"I wish you every success in the pursuit of your important mission.

"I am delighted we can develop the Franco-British relationship in the service of our great nations and the European Union, in the spirit of trust that continues to drive us."

European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said he "looked forward" to working with Blair over coming weeks and months.

"Our close co-operation is indispensable to the success of the European Union," he added.

Amid renewed tensions in the Northern Ireland political process, Irish premier Bertie Ahern said: "I greatly value and I look forward to a continuation of the close personal friendship and working relationship that the prime minister and I have established, particularly in our common efforts to advance the Northern Ireland peace process."

Australian prime minister John Howard, whose adviser Lynton Crosby masterminded the Tory campaign, offered a mixed assessment on the poll.

"My natural sympathies in British politics of course do lie with the other side, the Conservatives, and I wish them well," he said.

"But I have long regarded Mr Blair's courage on the issue of Iraq as displaying strong leadership.

"He had to fight very strong opposition within his own ranks and the steadfastness and commitment he displayed on that issue certainly impressed me and I believe many others who shared his convictions and my convictions on the issue of Iraq."