What they said

"Charles Haughey made a huge impact on Irish life over a thirty-five year political career spanning from the late 1950s. . . During his last five years as Taoiseach he gave tremendous leadership to a programme of national recovery involving the Social Partners. I have no doubt [history's] ultimate judgement on Mr Haughey will be a positive one." Fianna Fail leader and Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern

"When Charles Haughey retired as Taoiseach in 1992, the government he had led had set the foundations for the historic achievements of our country since then, the peace process and our economic recovery." Progressive Democrats leader and Tanaiste, Mary Harney

"I've known Charles Haughey throughout my political career and found him to be personally warm, engaging, thoughtful and courteous." Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny

"As Taoiseach and as a Government Minister, Charles Haughey had many achievements of note. . . There was probably no other Irish politician over the past 50 years who was such a controversial figure and there is a darker side to the Haughey political legacy. However now is not the appropriate time for a full political assessment of the career of a man who has endured such a painful and debilitating illness in recent years." Labour leader Pat Rabbitte

"Despite our public political differences, which I do not wish to dwell on at this time, our relationship was always marked by courtesy and absence of personal antagonism. I was glad to have had the opportunity to meet with him again last October when I visited him in Abbeville." Former Fine Gael leader Garret FitzGerald.

"Mr Charles Haughey was an important and visionary advocate for the arts in Ireland. His legacy will lie in the rich, artistic and cultural life he helped foster in Ireland." Arts Council statement

"A man who has engaged the people of Ireland over the last 40 years on the public stage." The Archbishop of Dublin Dr. Diarmuid Martin

"Charlie Haughey was a man of extraordinary talent and foresight. He brought energy, vigour and flair to every aspect of his work. . . As Taoiseach, he laid the key foundation stones for Ireland's current economic success." Statement by Mr Charlie McCreevy, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services

"His death will mark the passing of the last of the old Fianna Fail bosses." Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey.