People have been praising Dr Tony Holohan, who has announced he is stepping aside as Chief Medical Officer for personal reasons.
He earlier revealed his wife Emer is receiving palliative care, and that he wanted to spend time with his family.
He also said: "As a husband and father, and as a public health doctor, I'm conscious that we've been through tough times together over the last number of months.
"And many families across the country have been affected by the course of COVID-19, suffering pain and the loss of loved ones.
"I hope we can all remain working together to continue to stay vigilant, to keep our social distance and take personal responsibility for our own health in the first instance - as well as looking after our family members, friends and those we care about most".
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: "Thank you Tony. For months everyone in Ireland has felt safe because you were looking after our families. As you step back, know that all of us stand behind you and your wonderful family.
"We’ll meet again soon".
While former Health Minister Simon Harris, who is now Minister for Higher Education, said: "Tony Holohan is a patriot, an incredible public servant & a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership.
"He has kept us safe. I valued his counsel as Minister so much.
"Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. We think of them & respect their privacy".
Tony Holohan is a patriot, an incredible public servant & a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership. He has kept us safe. I valued his counsel as Minister so much. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. We think of them & respect their privacy
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 2, 2020
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said:"I want to express my heartfelt support and that of Government for Dr Holohan and his family, and ask that their privacy be respected.
"It's important they have this time together.
"I also want to thank Dr Holohan for the leadership and extraordinary commitment and professionalism he has shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are fortunate to have such leadership, and to have the work, expertise and dedication of the National Public Health Emergency Team.
"That team has worked day and night since this pandemic started and it brought us to where we are now with Dr Holohan's leadership."
The Health Service Executive (HSE) said: "The thoughts of everyone in the HSE are with our colleague Dr. Tony Holohan and his family at this time."
The thoughts of everyone in the HSE are with our colleague Dr. Tony Holohan and his family at this time. https://t.co/32TEWnJhbx
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) July 2, 2020
While others using the hashtag #ThankYouTony have also paid tribute:
#thankyoutony you were direct, you were clear and we always knew where we stood. Exactly what the country needed in such an uncertain time pic.twitter.com/awyOtnOuge
— Amy Harrington (@AmyHarrington88) July 2, 2020
How lucky is Ireland to have Tony Holohan as our Chief Medical Officer? #ThankYouTony
— Sinead Connolly (@sokeeffe7) July 2, 2020
Terribly sad for Tony Holohan & his family. Cannot imagine how he did such a demanding & stressful job under these circumstances. You never know what heartbreak people are carrying behind the day to day facade. We are indebted to him. #ThankYouTony
— Siobhán O’Donnell (@DonnellSiobhan) July 2, 2020
Is it just me that feels so sad that @CMOIreland has lost so much time with his wife whilst steering Ireland thru #COVID19 If that isn't a wake up call for ppl considering a foreign holiday... well. I give up on our Nation. #thankyoutony
— Lucie Cunningham (@LucieCunningh12) July 2, 2020
Go raibh míle maith agat ... your guidance and sacrifice over the last few months is appreciated even more knowing your personal situation. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care. 💔🇮🇪 #ThankYouTony
— Anita Rishton (@anitarish) July 2, 2020
Thank you Tony.
The word hero is used lightly at times, but is entirely appropriate for Dr Holohan. He has undoubtedly saved thousands of lives.
Best of luck to him and his family.#thankyoutony https://t.co/rUOBHxbobe— Irwin Gill (@IrwinGill) July 2, 2020
