US reaction: Senator Ted Kennedy has led US tributes to Charles Haughey, whom he described as a "political genius". Senator Kennedy also described Mr Haughey as a "profile in courage", a reference to his brother president John F Kennedy's Pulitzer prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage, about people who displayed bravery in public life.
Senator Kennedy was one of four Irish-American politicians, nicknamed "the four horsemen", who supported the Haughey government's plans for peace in Northern Ireland and economic prosperity on both sides of the Irish Border. Yesterday, he said that Irish-America and the entire Kennedy family mourned "the unforgettable Charlie Haughey".
"As taoiseach during some of the most critical years of the Northern Ireland conflict, he was a powerful voice for an end to the violence and a peaceful settlement. In many ways, he was a profile in courage for his time."
Senator Kennedy also paid tribute to Mr Haughey's role in revitalising the Irish economy.
He was joined in praise by Connecticut senator Chris Dodd, who said he remembered Mr Haughey for his resilience and deep commitment to finding a peaceful solution in Northern Ireland.
Mayo-born New York lawyer and Haughey admirer, Frank Durkan, remembered driving Mr Haughey to a political rally organised by former New York governor Hugh Carey, another of the "four horsemen", so that Mr Haughey could see how American politics operates.
"It was before he was elected taoiseach and I remember he was really fascinated by US politics and how politicians over here reach out to the grassroots of the party. He was always determined, always impressive." Mr Durkan said he was "well aware" that others in Ireland would attack Mr Haughey's reputation.
A White House spokesman said that he had not heard of the death of Mr Haughey.
"It's not that usual for us to issue statements on the death of former prime ministers, we do it on a case-by-case basis. There are no plans, as yet, to do so in this case," he said.