Business leaders have added their voices to the tributes to Seamus Brennan, who died early this morning.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said the airline would not have existed without Mr Brennan’s vision in the early 1980s.
"It is no exaggeration to say that without Seamus Brennan's vision in the early 1980s Ryanair would not exist. He was without doubt the best, most courageous andmost visionary transport minister that Ireland has ever had," he said.
Chief executive of Chambers Ireland Ian Talbot expressed his sadness at the news. “Mr Brennan understood Ireland's need to have world-class infrastructure and framed our air transport policies in a way that delivered one of the most vibrant and globally competitive aviation industries in the world," he said.
A statement from management and staff at Aer Lingus focused on Mr Brennan’s dedication and foresight.
“Seamus Brennan’s strategic approach and forward thinking was responsible for liberalising air transportation in Ireland and Europe. He was a gifted and insightful politician whose dedication and foresight has made a lasting mark on Irish life,” it said.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul praised his enthusiasm, hard work and dedication as Minister for Social and Family Affairs, saying his tenure was a very progressive period for the development of services to the vulnerable.
“We also appreciated his focus as Minister in tackling the scandal of child poverty; in making substantial increases in the minimum adult social welfare rate and his interest in the work and development of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service,” said Mairéad Bushnell, national president of SVP.
Matthew Ryan, president of the Irish Hotels Federation paid tribute to the valuable contribution made by Mr Brennan in his various portfolios in the areas of tourism, transport and trade.
“Throughout his ministerial career, his support and engagement was pivotal in shaping the direction of Irish transport and tourism, particularly in light of the challenges confronted by the sector," he said.
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce also expressed its sadness at Mr Brennan’s death, paying tribute to his progressive and innovative style of leadership.
AA Ireland said Mr Brennan left a long and distinguished list of achievements behind him.
"He served two terms as Minister for Transport where he earned the respect and admiration of the AA. His determination to introduce penalty points in October 2002 was a massive road safety reform and prepared the way for the further reforms that have saved so many lives," it said in a statement this afternoon.