There have been tributes to former finance minister Brian Lenihan from leading figures in the business and economic world.
Mr Lenihan died this morning at the age of 52. Mr Lenihan, who was the deputy leader of Fianna Fáil, was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago.
Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan described Mr Lenihan as a strong and energetic Minister for Finance. He said Mr Lenihan had acted patriotically to stabilise the state's finances in the face of unprecedented pressures.
'His quick intellect and grasp of constitutional detail made it a pleasure to conduct professional dealings with him. His death is a major loss to public life in Ireland,' Professor Honohan said.
EU economic affairs commissioner Olli Rehn said he was saddened to hear of Mr Lenihan's death.
'Brian displayed great personal courage, strength and dedication to the public good, during a period of exceptional economic challenge in the life of Ireland and Europe,' he said.
'Brian's extraordinary personal and professional contribution, have ensured that he is and will always be held in the highest esteem by those of us who worked with him in Europe. In placing his duty to the nation above his personal difficulties, Brian Lenihan has provided us with an outstanding example of public service,' he added.
Former British Chancellor Alastair Darling said he was deeply saddened by Brian Lenihan's death. He said he had enjoyed working with Mr. Lenihan and that his thoughts were with his family.
IBEC director general Danny McCoy said Mr Lenihan worked tirelessly at getting the economy back onto a sustainable footing at a time of unprecedented economic crisis. 'Brian Lenihan's passion, energy, and intellect were clear to all those who had dealings with him and are a testimony to his deep dedication to public service,' he added.
Lenihan came from strong FF tradition
Brian Lenihan had a strong family tradition in Fianna Fáil. His father, Brian senior, was a leading figure in the party for many years, while his grandfather, aunt and brother were also Fianna Fáil TDs.
A barrister, Mr Lenihan was elected to the Dáil in 1996 for Dublin West in the by-election caused by the death of his father:
He was recognised as a talented TD, but promotion came slowly under Bertie Ahern's leadership. After a spell as Minister for Children he finally became a full member of Cabinet as Minister for Justice in 2007.
Less than a year later, new Taoiseach Brian Cowen appointed him Minister for Finance. As he famously pointed out at the time, he had the 'misfortune' to take up the post just as the building boom was coming to a shuddering end.
That economic turnaround, coupled with the collapse of Lehman Brothers in the US, threatened Irish banks. After a tense night of meetings in Government Buildings in September 2008 the Government guaranteed €400 billion of loans and deposits for Irish financial institutions.
Later, NAMA was set up to absorb property loans, most banks were effectively nationalised, and a series of tough budgets were introduced, cutting spending and raising taxes.
In January 2010, it was confirmed that he was suffering from cancer, but he continued on in his job.
He unsuccessfully contested the Fianna Fáil leadership after Brian Cowmen's resignation, and was the only Fianna Fáil TD elected in Dublin in February's general election.
Since then, he has been deputy leader of the party as well as spokesman on finance - but in recent weeks his health again deteriorated.
Mr Lenihan died in the early hours of the morning at his house in west Dublin. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, their two children, his mother, and three brothers and one sister.
