The death has occurred of the journalist Mary Holland. Ms Holland, who was 69, had been in failing health for six or seven years.
She died shortly before midnight last night at St Vincent's Hospital. She is survived by her daughter, Kitty, and son, Luke.
Ms Holland had been a journalist for many years with The Irish Times and The Observer, and a contributor to Questions and Answers and other RTÉ programmes.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said that it was with deep regret that he had learned of Ms Holland's death and described her as a courageous journalist.
Mr Ahern said her coverage of Northern Ireland was hugely influential in illuminating both the political complexity and the unfolding human tragedy of the past 35 years.
