The Taoiseach says he is saddened to hear of the death of the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The 87 year old died peacefully this morning following a stoke.
Enda Kenny said "Mrs Thatcher was a formidable political leader who had a significant impact on British, European and world politics. During her 11 years as Prime Minister, she defined an era in British public life".
"While her period of office came at a challenging time for British-Irish relations, when the violent conflict in Northern Ireland was at its peak, Mrs Thatcher signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement which laid the foundation for improved North-South cooperation and ultimately the Good Friday Agreement" he added.
The Taoiseach went on to extend his deepest sympathies to her family and the British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Downing Street has announced that she will receive a ceremonial funeral with military honours. The service will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
It says a "wide and diverse range of people and groups" with connections to her will be invited. The service will be followed by a private cremation.
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has issued a statement following her death saying she did great hurt to the Irish and British people during her time as Prime Minister.
He says working-class communities were devastated in Britain because of her policies and her role in international affairs was equally belligerent.
The statement goes on to say that Margaret Thatcher will be especially remembered for her shameful role during the hunger strikes of 1980 and '81 and that her Irish policy failed miserably.
The flags at Number 10 Downing Street are flying at half mast. The British Prime Minister David Cameron has said it is a great loss for the UK:
"It was with great sadness that l learned of Lady Thatcher’s death. We've lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton"
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) April 8, 2013
Watch archive footage during the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985:
The US President Barack Obama has paid this tribute on Twitter:
"She stands as an example to our daughters that there is no glass ceiling that can’t be shattered." —Obama on Margaret Thatcher's passing
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 8, 2013
Baroness Thatcher led her country to war in 1982 when Argentine invaded the Falkland Islands.
Lady Thatcher was a formidable political performer, earning the title the 'Iron Lady'. She is the only woman to have ever held the position of British Prime Minister.
