Party leaders pay their tributes to career

THE DEATH of former minister Dr Conor Cruise O'Brien at the age of 91 was widely mourned last night by leading politicians.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said Dr Cruise O'Brien, who was minister for posts and telegraphs in the 1973/77 Fine Gael/Labour coalition, had been "a leading figure in Irish life in many spheres since the 1960s and had contributed to politics, in academia and journalism.

"Conor's talents later saw him make a contribution in politics and he served as a minister in the government of Liam Cosgrave. His political views were not always in accordance with those of my own party over the years but I never doubted his sincerity or his commitment to a better and more peaceful Ireland.

"As a journalist Conor was prolific. He has written thousands of articles on a wide range of subjects which highlight a great intellectual versatility. His articles were always challenging and passionate, which is a measure of the man he was," said Mr Cowen.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Dr Cruise O'Brien "had a towering intellect and was a fierceless defender of his principles and of his political views. He was a provocative and committed politician who loved the cut and thrust of weighty political debate as much as he enjoyed the stories of ordinary people."

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said Ireland "has lost an intellectual giant and one of the most remarkable Irish public figures of the 20th century who marked up a huge range of achievements during his long and varied life. He excelled as a diplomat, an author, an historian, an educationalist, a journalist and a politician.

"Conor was a man of immense political courage. He was never afraid to take up unpopular positions, with the result that few ever agreed with him all the time."