The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said yesterday that he learned with "deep regret" of the death of Sir Josias Cunningham, president of the Ulster Unionist Party. Mr Ahern conveyed his condolences to his wife and family. "He had a long and distinguished career in the party and was widely respected for his strong commitment to democratic politics. He will be very much missed by his party colleagues and friends," the Taoiseach said.
The leader of the Labour Party, Mr Ruairi Quinn, said: "Josias Cunningham gave long and dedicated service to the Ulster Unionist Party. He served many Ulster Unionist leaders over the years and his death will be keenly felt by the current UUP leader David Trimble."
The leader of Fine Gael, Mr John Bruton, said he met Sir Josias for the first time when he led a delegation from Fine Gael to the Ulster Unionist Party in the early 1990s.
"This was the first meeting between the Ulster Unionist Party and a political party from the Republic since the Anglo-Irish Agreement. It broke the ice and led to many other such contacts."
The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, said Sir Josias's death was "a real tragedy" and extended his sympathy to his family.
Dr Ian Paisley, the leader of the DUP, paid tribute to "an Ulsterman with an abiding love for the province". Mr Robert McCartney, leader of the United Kingdom Unionist Party, said Sir Josias's death was a loss to the entire community. The president of the Alliance Party, Ms Eileen Bell, said Sir Josias was "widely respected for his integrity, both inside and outside the party".
The Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, who was contacted while on holiday, said Sir Josias was "respected across the political spectrum, his contribution to the peace process as a prominent and influential Ulster Unionist was considerable".
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, last night said: "It was with regret that I heard of the death today of UUP president Sir Josias Cunningham. To his family and friends and to Mr Trimble and his colleagues, I extend my deepest condolences at this difficult time."