Former minister and founder of the Progressive Democrats, Des O'Malley, has died aged 82.
He was elected to the Dáil in 1968 as a Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick, and was appointed Minister for Justice in 1970.
He took a hardline with the IRA as justice minister - introducing the juryless Special Criminal Court to tackle jury intimidation.
He spoke about being armed with a pistol in those years as minister, due to the threat from paramilitaries.
After numerous botched heaves and quarrels with Charlie Haughey, he quit Cabinet in 1982 and was expelled from Fianna Fáil in 1984 for defying the party whip in a vote on contraceptive reform.
He went on to found the Progressive Democrats the following year.
He led the Progressive Democrats into a coalition government with Fianna Fáil in 1989.
He stepped down as leader in 1993, but remained a TD until he retired in 2002.
Des O'Malley smoking at a press conference in 1982. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ieTaoiseach Micheál Martin has led tributes, saying Mr O'Malley was a major figure in Irish public affairs.
"As a TD, minister and party leader he represented the people of Limerick and our country as a whole with determination and a commitment to making Ireland a better place.
"As minister for justice he dedicated himself to facing down an illegitimate campaign of violence that directly targeted the institutions of the State.
"As minister for industry and commerce at different times he led that department in attracting critical investment in our country and helped to develop new industries.
"It was a record of real achievement of which he was rightly proud.
"As the founder and leader of the Progressive Democrats he had an influence which went far beyond that party's period in the Dáil.
"He showed an ability to work with others on a positive programme and to put to one side disagreements. In doing this he helped set a new course for Irish politics."
Mr Martin also praised his advice to ministers in negotiating and implementing the Good Friday Agreement.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has described Mr O'Malley as a "giant of Irish politics".
Additional reporting: Sean Defoe
