THE PRESIDENT, the Taoiseach, former Taoisigh and leaders of all the main political parties have paid tribute to Francois Mitterrand, his contribution to European integration and his, friendship for Ireland.
President Robinson said Mr Mitterrand's "distinguished career in the service of his country, culminating in the 1,4 years which he served as President of the French Republic, will remain as a tribute to him. His commitment to Europe made an important contribution to the process of European integration. He was truly a statesman of world stature.
Mr Bruton said that both as French president and "as a man who had seen the horror of war at first hand", Mr Mitterrand had "worked tirelessly to create a political union in Europe that would banish war forever from our continent.
"His vision enabled him to give a political leadership that overcame temporary or technical setbacks in the construction of the European Union. He was also a very good friend to Ireland both in our bilateral relations with France and in the context of Ireland's membership of the EU.
"In the way he came to terms with his own impending death and with the unavoidable suffering it entailed, he set a relevant example for the modern world."
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Spring, said Mr Mitterrand would be remembered for "his profound commitment, to the ideal of European integration and for the considerable impetus which he gave to that process as a member of the European Council during his Presidency of France."
The Fianna Fail leader, Mr, Bertie Ahern, called Mr" Mitterrand "a distinguished statesman" who as president had consolidated France's stability under the Fifth Republic, and made it a country that continued" to be widely respected during his" 14 years in office."
"He was always a sympathetic friend to Ireland, and had a particularly good relationship with the former Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, which contributed to the success of Ireland's EU presidency in 1990."
Mr Haughey himself said he, had developed a "very warm personal affection as well as an admiration" for Mr Mitterrand. Mr Haughey called him "one of the most important and influential European leaders of our time and a statesman of world significance. . . His contribution to the concept of a united Europe was immense. He was a particularly good friend of Ireland, always helpful and sympathetic to our interests and concerns.
The Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry, Adams, said Mr Mitterrand "championed a Europe of social inclusion rather than the monetarist policies of the right. He will especially be remembered by the nationalists in Ireland for his support of the H Block hunger strikers."
A book of condolences for the former French President will be open at the residence of the French ambassador at 53 Ailesbury Road. Dublin 4, tomorrow from 3-5 p.m. and on Thursday from 10-1 a.m. and from 2-4 p.m.