Ireland's former tanaiste (deputy prime minister) Peter Barry, who played a key role in the Anglo-Irish Agreement, has died aged 88, it has been announced.
Mr Barry, a businessman from Cork behind the Barry's Tea brand, also served as a foreign affairs minister and deputy leader of the Fine Gael party.
He died peacefully in his native city on Friday morning surrounded by his family.
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny led tributes to his former party colleague.
"Throughout his long and distinguished political career, Peter gave outstanding service to his country and to his native city," he said.
"In particular, 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.
"In the coming days we will reflect on and salute Peter Barry's extraordinary legacy, but today, our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family at the loss of their father.
"We also remember at this time Peter's late wife Margaret who was such a support to him throughout his career."
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