Former Irish Premier John Bruton died at the age of 76 after a protracted illness, his family reported.
Bruton was taoiseach from 1994 until 1997, and the leader of the Fine Gael party from 1990 to 2001.
He died on Tuesday at a Dublin hospital, accompanied by his family.
A statement from the Bruton family, released by Fine Gael on, said:
“It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former taoiseach John Bruton.
“He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness.
“He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot.
“We will miss him greatly.
“John is survived by his wife, Finola, son Matthew and daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sons-in-law, his brother, Richard, and sister, Mary, nieces, nephews, many cousins and extended family.”
(dpa/NAN)