Tributes have been paid to the veteran left-wing British politician Tony Benn, who has died at the age of 88.

Mr Benn served in two Labour governments, and was known worldwide as a popular leader of left-wing politics.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly has been taking a look back at his life.

British prime minister David Cameron has meanwhile been paying his respects:

In a statement, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore described Benn as "a man of great integrity and determination" and "a great friend of Ireland". 

"While his views on Northern Ireland were often seen as controversial, once the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998 he was among its strongest defenders," he said,