Members of the business community have paid tribute to former taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Garret FitzGerald.
Chambers Ireland chief executive Ian Talbot said Dr FitzGerald's work helped to pave the way for the historic events taking place in Ireland this week. "As taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald played a vital role in negotiating the 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement, one of the foundations of peace and partnership politics on the island of Ireland," Mr Talbot said.
“In retirement he continued to make a major economic contribution both in Ireland and overseas,” he said, adding that Dr FitzGerald’s insights and valued commentaries would be greatly missed.
Danny McCoy, director general of employers' group Ibec, said the statesman will be remembered as a key figure in shaping the modern Irish economy and its relationship with Europe.
“Long after his retirement he worked tirelessly during successive referendum campaigns to ensure that Ireland remained fully engaged and at the very heart of the European Union. He was an astute economic commentator, with a long and distinguished history of public service,” Mr McCoy said.
Aer Lingus extended its deepest sympathies to Dr FitzGerald's family, and said he played a significant role in the development of airline's route structure in the 1940s and 1950s.
“Without any of the modern day analysis tools, Dr FitzGerald brought his keen economic mind to bear on how to best plan and utilise aircraft, laying the foundations for the future success of the airline in this important area,” it said.
Age Action also extended its condolences to the family of Dr FitzGerald, who was a former director and vice-chairman of the older people's charity. Chief executive Robin Webster said the former taoiseach was always very generous with his time and made a major contribution to the organisation as a director between 2005 and 2008.
“As an individual, he personified positive ageing with his boundless energy and enthusiasm,” Mr Webster said.
Concern Worldwide chief executive Tom Arnold said Dr FitzGerald would be missed in Ireland and in many other countries. "He was a true statesman, leader and gentleman," he said. "Throughout his political career, Garret remained committed to social justice, at national and international level."
IFA President John Bryan said Dr FitzGerald was a strong advocate of European integration in the 1960s and made a significant contribution to advancing Ireland's membership of the EU, which has "underpinned the development of agriculture in this country over the last 30 years".