The former Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, Liam Cosgrave has died aged 97.
Cosgrave led the government elected in coalition with the Labour Party in 1973.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to his predecessor: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of the former Taoiseach and leader of my party, Liam Cosgrave. As Taoiseach and as Leader of Fine Gael I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Liam Cosgrave was someone who devoted his life to public service; a grateful country thanks and honours him for that and for always putting the nation first."
Our Political Editor Chris Donoghue has been reflecting on his Mr Cosgrave's life and work:
Born in 1920 Mr Cosgrave was first elected to the Dáil in 1943. He became Fine Gael party leader in 1965.He resigned as party leader following the 1977 election defeat and was succeeded by Garrett Fitzgerald.
He left the Dáil in 1981.
Mr Cosgrave’s father WT Cosgrave served as the first President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State from 1922 to 1932.
While the position of Taoiseach had yet to be formally created, he was the first elected head of government in an independent Ireland.
Mr Cosgrave is survived by his three children - Mary, Liam Jr and Ciaran.
