Tributes were paid today following the death of former government minister and journalist Conor Cruise O'Brien.
The ex-Labour Party TD, who was 91, served as Minister for Posts and Telegraph during the Fine Gael/Labour coalition in the 1970s.
The Taoiseach said Mr O'Brien was blessed with a strong intellect and was a man of strong convictions.
He added: "His political views were not always in accordance with those of my own party over the years but I never doubted his sincerity or his commitment to a better and more peaceful Ireland."
Mr O'Brien was a history and literature graduate of Trinity College and the author of several books.
He joined the Civil Service in the early 1940s and later became a delegate to the UN Assembly.
In 1969, he was elected to the Dail and became Minister for Posts and Telegraphs in 1973 but lost his seat in 1977.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said he was greatly saddened by Mr O'Brien's death.
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