The former taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fail Charles J Haughey has died at his home in Kinsealy Co Dublin. Mr Haughey (80), who was suffering from prostate cancer for several years, died at 10am.
Mr Haughey is survived by his wife Maureen, and children Eimear, Ciarán, Conor and Seán.
Born in Co Mayo on September 16th, 1925, Mr Haughey was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a TD for Dublin in 1957. He was re-elected at each election after that until he stepped down from office in 1992.
Mr Haughey held several cabinet posts, serving as minister for justice (1961-1964), minister for agriculture (1964-1966), and minister for finance (1966-1970).
Former taoiseach Charles Haughey
The President Mary McAleese said she had learned of Mr Haughey's death with sadness. "I offer heartfelt sympathy to his wife Maureen, his daughter Eimear and his sons Sean, Ciaran and Conor as they face the loneliness of his passing.
"For thirty-five years Charlie Haughey played a highly significant, central and leading role in national politics. A proud man of considerable ability, charm, wit and intelligence, he was a skilled parliamentarian and an innovative legislator. Over the long years of his dynamic career he weathered many storms and faced more than his share of drama and controversy, Mrs McAleese said.
"He confronted his long final illness with much dignity, grace and courage. He was deeply loved and will he hugely missed by his family, supporters and many friends at home and abroad"
In a statement Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: "It is a very sad occasion, and marks the passing of an era. On behalf of the Government and Fianna Fáil, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to his wife Maureen, his daughter Eimear, and his sons, Conor, Ciaran and Sean, as well as his wider family".
In particular, the success of Ireland's International Financial Services Centre is a living tribute to his boldness and determinationMary Harney
Mr Ahern said Mr Haughey made a "huge impact on Irish life over a thirty-five year political career spanning from the late 1950s. He served with distinction in every Ministerial position that he held, and his many imaginative initiatives are remembered."
Mr Ahern added that Mr Haughey's achievements "have become clouded by the revelations that are the subject of inquiry by the Moriarty Tribunal."
"History will have to weigh up both the credit and the debit side more dispassionately than may be possible today but, I have no doubt its ultimate judgement on Mr Haughey will be a positive one," he said.
Tánaiste Mary Harney expressed the sympathies of the Progressive Democrats to the Haughey family.
At the All-Ireland forum in. Photograph: Peter Thursfield
"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," she said.
"In particular, the success of Ireland's International Financial Services Centre is a living tribute to his boldness and determination. His legacy also includes the vibrancy of the arts in Ireland, and the excellence of the renovated Government Buildings."
The Government has confirmed that Mr Haughey is to be given a State funeral. The removal will take place on Thursday evening and funeral on Friday morning in Donnycarney church. The Taoiseach will give the graveside oration after the funeral
Thousands of people are expected to attend. Two large screens will be set up to relay the service to crowds who cannot be accommodated in the north Dublin church.