Former Tánaiste Peter Barry has died
Peter Barry, former Tánaiste, Minister and Deputy leader of Fine Gael has passed away.
Mr Barry, aged 88, is said to have passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
The former Fine Gael deputy leader served as a TD for Cork for almost 30 years, and held many cabinet roles including Minister for Transport, Education and the Environment.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that Peter gave "outstanding service" to his country and to his native city.
He was also a major shareholder in the family business, Barry's Tea, and his daughter Deirdre Clune is a Fine Gael MEP.
In a statement Mr Kenny also said: "His central and pivotal role in negotiating the Anglo Irish Agreement in 1985 helped to create the foundations on which the peace process in Northern Ireland was built."
The Taoiseach said "our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family at the loss of their father."
President Michael D Higgins said Mr Barry will be remembered by all who knew him for his great courtesy.
"His view of Irish history was a long one and he brought all that wisdom to bear in his contributions to achieving the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985," he said.
"As a person he was immensely popular across all parties and, of course, he had a deep commitment to Cork city and its heritage.
"Peter Barry, in his non-political life, gained enormous respect internationally through his work in the family business.
"He will be deeply missed."
Former Fine Gael leader Alan Dukes says he was a very considerate man.
Tánaister Frances Fitzgerald said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my former colleague Peter Barry. As a TD, Minister and Tánaiste, Peter served his country with distinction, dignity and integrity. I express my condolences to his family."
Former Taoiseach John Bruton also offered words of tribute for the passing of Peter Barry.
"The characteristics of Peter Barry that are most marked in my mind, as I learn the sad news of his death, are those of loyalty, Public Service and respect for others. He was very good company. He was politically very effective.
At crucial moments, when Fine Gael faced difficulties in Government or in opposition. It was interventions by Peter Barry that calmed the situation and enabled the party to find the right path for itself and for the country."
Sad to hear of the passing of Peter Barry today #RIP pic.twitter.com/vOoX0BwA8B
— KEN TOBIN #Corcaighabu (@KENNYTCORK) August 26, 2016
Saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Barry. Grew up around the corner from him, he was a gentleman. RIP
— Jonathan Healy (@jonathanhealy) August 26, 2016
