Watch this look back at Séamus Brennan's career
Listen to complete coverage of reaction to his death
Leaders from across the political divide have been paying tributes to the former cabinet minister, Séamus Brennan, who died Wednesday.
Mr Brennan, 60, had been unwell for some time and died in the early hours of Wednesday at his home in Churchtown in Dublin.
In a statement, President Mary McAleese expressed her sadness at the passing of the former Fianna Fáil minister and paid tribute to his contribution to the country.
'Séamus played a major role in the building of the modern Ireland,' she said.
'His many talents were such that he could have been successful in several fields, yet it was a mark of the man that he chose to devote those gifts to public service and the public good. His achievements and contribution will leave a lasting mark on our country.'
The Dáil held a minute's silence in his memory after deputies expressed their sympathy to Mr Brennan's wife, Ann, and their six children.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said Mr Brennan had served the nation and the Fianna Fáil party with distinction.
Earlier Mr Cowen described Mr Brennan as an astute and capable minister, who was interested in getting things done, while Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin paid tribute to his extraordinary contribution to Irish politics.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said: 'Séamus brought a deep human understanding to all aspects of politics and could always be relied upon to respond in a calm and measured way to any crisis.'
Former Cabinet colleague Mary Harney praised Mr Brennan's political skill: 'He ran one of the most professional constituency organisations in the country and won the confidence of the electorate of Dublin South time and time again, without fail.'
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News At One, former Labour party leader Pat Rabbitte, who attended University College Galway with Mr Brennan, said he was very sad at his passing.
He said Mr Brennan was a very capable and courteous politician. Also on the programme, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said low cost flights may not have existed across Europe if it was not for Mr Brennan's courage in taking on vested interests to open up competition.
A former General Secretary of Fianna Fáil (1973-1980), he was first elected to the Dáil in 1981.
Born in Galway, he made his home in Dublin from the early 1970s, and represented Dublin South from the time the constituency was created.
Mr Brennan was appointed Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism on 14 June 2007 but after the resignation of Bertie Ahern he resigned from the Cabinet.
He had been on the Fianna Fáil front bench, whether in Government or in Opposition, continuously since 1987.
The removal of the remains of the late Séamus Brennan will take place to Holy Cross church in Dundrum at 7am tomorrow evening.
Burial will take place after 12pm Mass on Friday.
View his gallery.
