Union reaction: Mr Haughey's leading role in establishing social partnership was recalled yesterday by employer and trade union representatives.
The late taoiseach oversaw the first partnership negotiations, which led the signing of the Programme for National Recovery by employers, unions and farm bodies in 1987.
Turlough O'Sullivan, director general of employers' body Ibec, said all who were concerned with the welfare of the economy owed gratitude to Mr Haughey for "bringing together a sense of national unity" at that time.
This had led Ireland from "near bankruptcy" to "being the envy of our neighbours".
"His contribution to Irish life spanned most of the second part of the twentieth century. His imaginative and courageous approach to political life has left a lasting impact on our lives," Mr O'Sullivan said.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said it noted "with regret" the former taoiseach's passing. "The executive council of congress enjoyed a good working relationship with Mr Haughey during his time in office," it said.
"He will be particularly remembered for his courtesy and for his vision in engaging with the unions, employers and farmers in 1987 to initiate the Programme for National Recovery. This initiative was a unique adaptation of the European social dialogue process and it led to the social partnership model which we have today. It is a model which has given Ireland an unparalleled era of economic and social progress."
Siptu president Jack O'Connor also said he had heard of Mr Haughey's death with regret.
"Despite the many controversies in which he became embroiled and the criticisms he attracted, sometimes justifiably, it will always remain to his credit that he had the foresight and determination to seek a negotiated solution to the enormous difficulties facing our economy in the late 1980s," Mr O'Connor said.
"At a time when many of his contemporaries were beguiled by the futile politics of Thatcherism, he recognised the importance of organised workers in the trade union movement as a key element in tackling the problems facing our economy, laying the foundations for sustainable development and helping create our current prosperity."
Shortly after 2pm yesterday a woman pinned a single red rose to the wall of the two-storey house in Castlebar where Mr Haughey is reputed to have been born on September 16th, 1925. Kathleen McHale said Mr Haughey had always been a good friend to the west of Ireland.
Ms McHale said that in the 1980s, Mr Haughey forged a friendship with the late monsignor James Horan and financially supported Knock airport at a time when others were decrying it as "a white elephant".
Even in his final illness some weeks ago, Mr Haughey mustered the energy and interest to contact Knock airport chief executive Liam Scollan to wish the airport well on its 20th anniversary celebrations, she said.
