The Taoiseach has led tributes to Jim Mitchell, the former Fine Gael Government minister, who died this morning after a long illness.
Bertie Ahern said Jim Mitchell had made an outstanding contribution to Irish politics.
Mr Mitchell, who lost his seat after 25 years in the General Election in May, won widespread praise for his chairmanship of the DIRT inquiry into bogus bank accounts. He was 56.
The leader of Fine Gael, Enda Kenny, said it was a sad day for Fine Gael as the party had lost a loyal and immensely talented colleague and friend.
Speaking on RTÉ, the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, said Jim Mitchell would be remembered as a talented, hard working and fearless politician.
The leader of the Labour Party, Pat Rabbitte, said Jim Mitchell was an exceptional politician in the way he motivated a cross-party group on the Public Accounts Committee.
Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said that Jim Mitchell's stewardship of the DIRT inquiry played a leading role in transforming the way politics was viewed.
Former FG leaders pay tribute
Former Fine Gael leaders have added their tributes. Michael Noonan said he was a frank and honest politician full of energy and ideas who was loved by those close to him and by his constituents.
'What he believed in as a man, a family man and a politician he believed very deeply and was very frank and took risks to make changes,' Mr Noonan said.'He was great fun and great company, and he'll be remembered for the calm and composed way he met his final illness.'
John Bruton said his most outstanding characteristics were his energy and his devotion to his party. And Dr Garret FitzGerald said Mr Mitchell had been one of the most unselfish politicians he had known.
The remains of Mr Mitchell will arrive at St Joseph's Church, Terenure Road East, tomorrow evening at 7pm. The funeral will take place after Requiem Mass at noon on Wednesday to Mount Venus Cemetery in Rathfarmham.
