The President is leading the widespread tributes to Albert Reynolds who has died at the age of 81.

The former Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader passed away in the early hours of this morning, after a lengthy illness.

He had been suffering from Alzheimer's.

Albert Reynolds is survived by his wife Kathleen and seven children, two sons and five daughters.

Our News Correspondent Fergal O'Brien reports:President Michael D Higgins says Albert Reynolds will be remembered as a "dynamic Minister" and a leader with courage.

Tthe Taoiseach Enda Kenny says he played an "important role in bringing together differing strands of political opinion" in the North.

The Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin says Albert Reynolds made "an incredible contribution to progress" in the country.

He says when Albert Reynolds left office, he left a country that was "embracing peace and a modernised economy on the verge of significant growth".