Political leaders on all sides of the divide have united to pay tribute to the late Ian paisley who died this morning following a long illness.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny said his "greatest legacy will be one of peace"
Describing him as a divisive figure he said he was "by any measure a major figure in the history of these islands. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to him in recent years, and I know that he treasured the peace and friendship that he had lived to see, and helped to build, between our traditions."
The Taoiseach said "His devotion to his Faith and to the Unionist people of Northern Ireland was deep and unshakeable."
The Taoiseach spoke to reports in Cork
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he showed "bravery, leadership and real political acumen".
He recalled his first meeting with Dr Paisley at a breakfast summit in the Irish Embassy in London, "he ordered a hardboiled egg. He then proceeded to tell me, with a twinkle in his eye, that this was to be sure I couldn’t poison him!"
The Norths Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that "Over a number of decades we were political opponents and held very different views on many, many issues but the one thing we were absolutely united on was the principle that our people were better able to govern themselves than any British government.
He said "I want to pay tribute to and comment on the work he did in the latter days of his political life in building agreement and leading unionism into a new accommodation with republicans and nationalists.
Mr McGuinness also spoke of the close working relationship he had with Mr Paisley "In the brief period that we worked together in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister I developed a close working relationship with him which developed into a friendship, which despite our many differences lasted beyond his term in office.
"I want to send my sincere sympathy to his wife, Eileen, his children and extended family."
