'Quick intellect' and 'charm' recalled

Trade unions, charities and public figures have offered warm tributes to the late former minister Brian Lenihan for his contribution to Irish life and politics.

Central Bank governor Patrick Honohan said Mr Lenihan "was a strong and energetic" minister for finance "who 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," Mr Honohan said.

Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly said she had been hugely impressed by the courage and dignity Mr Lenihan had shown while facing his illness.

She said he had demonstrated "an unswerving and conscientious commitment to public life" that had been "informed by an acute intelligence and leavened by an often self-deprecating sense of humour".

Siptu president Jack O'Connor said although Siptu had not always agreed with Mr Lenihan's policies in government, he was "a highly intelligent person possessing immense political skill".

"Many people would have succumbed to the enormity of the problems he faced in his ministerial role in the fullness of their health. It was a testament to his courage and determination that he continued to apply himself unstintingly to his public role despite battling serious illness," Mr O'Connor said.

European Commissioner Maire Geoghegan-Quinn said "life had dealt him a bad personal hand and a dire political hand, but he wasted no time on repining over either".

"What was most significant about his impact on people in Europe was exemplified by the fact that he was the only minister universally referred to by European Commission members by his first name. Not by his title," she said.

Concern chief executive Tom Arnold said Mr Lenihan warranted great respect for his defence of Ireland's overseas aid programme while serving as a minister.

"He always felt that Ireland had an important international moral obligation to work with the world's poorest people and saw that work as an integral part of a broader foreign policy," he said.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network said Mr Lenihan had "made a major contribution to the advancement of legal recognition for same-sex couples" while serving as minister for justice and as minister for finance.

"We will remember his contribution and his considerable charm, friendliness and courtesy," the network said.