IRELAND: President Mary McAleese has led the tributes here to Prince Rainier of Monaco, who died yesterday, citing strong ties between the principality and Ireland because of the Irish heritage of the prince's late wife, Princess Grace.
Mrs McAleese, who visited the principality five years ago, said she had been deeply saddened to learn of the prince's death.
In a message to Prince Albert of Monaco, who succeeds his father, she offered condolences to the prince's family and the people of Monaco.
"I have many fond memories of meeting him during the course of my visit to the principality five years ago, a visit which, I hope, served to reinforce the strong ties that have long existed between Monaco and Ireland.
"For many years, the Irish people have felt a special affinity to the principality through your late mother, Princess Grace, who was a great and much-loved friend to our country.
"On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my heartfelt condolences to you, to your family and to the people of Monaco at this most sad time," the President said.
The President's comments were echoed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who said that the affection felt by the people of Ireland for Prince Rainier had been strengthened by admiration for the late Princess Grace and pride in her Irish heritage.
"We were very pleased to welcome Prince Rainier, Princess Grace and their children to Ireland on several occasions, official and private," Mr Ahern said.
"We are proud that their contribution to Irish studies is sustained by the magnificent Princess Grace Irish library in Monaco."
Mr Ahern said the Government and the people also recognised the enormous contribution which Prince Rainier had made to the development of the Principality of Monaco and to its standing in the world.
Despite the small size of the principality, Prince Rainier had become a highly respected international figure, the Taoiseach added.