Journalist and author Bruce Arnold has died at the age of 87.
Announcing his death his family described him as "a man of integrity and talent".
"He was dedicated to his craft, he wrote brilliantly and with great insight and was always on a mission to make the world a better and more truthful place," they said.
They added that "although he wore his Englishness with pride, he was devoted to Ireland which was his home for over 60 years".
As a political journalist Mr Arnold's phone was tapped under the government of Charles Haughey in the 1980s. So too had the phone of Irish Times journalist Geraldine Kennedy.
Both journalists launched a civil action, along with Mavis Arnold, Bruce Arnold's wife, and the High Court found in their favour.
During his career as a journalist Mr Arnold wrote for the Irish Press, the Irish Times, the Irish Independent, the Sunday Independent and The Guardian. He also wrote a number of books.
President Michael D Higgins said: "It may well be the illegal interference with his right to privacy, in relation to his telephone, that will spring to mind for many people on hearing of the passing of Bruce Arnold.
"The discovery and reaction to what was inflicted on him and Geraldine Kennedy was a defining moment in Irish journalism.
"However, for those who knew him on a regular basis, what will remain as an abiding memory was his interest, and scholarly contribution, to the various arts in Irish society.
"It was possible to disagree with him in the conditions of his deep commitment to courtesy. I did so often but one could always be assured of his respect for context and for the presentation of a well-researched opinion on the many subjects with which he engaged.
"It is to his great credit that he engaged with and confronted many themes which others thought safer to avoid. This was a courage he shared with his late wife, Mavis.
"Sabina and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family and his many friends."
