People from across the political sphere have been paying tribute to former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds who died overnight.
The 81 year old is being praised by Policiations in County Clare as a great negotiator and a man who faced difficulties with practicality.
Originally from Co. Roscommon Mr. Reynolds was elected as a Longford Westmeanth TD in 1977.
Mr. Reynolds' greatest achievement was the part he played in restoration of peace to Northern Ireland, by opening up channels of communication with the Republicans and Loyalists..
On the last occasion he spoke to Clare FM in April of 2008, Mr Reynolds was commenting on the death of former Prresident Patrick Hillery when he referred to his own role in the negotiations that lead to ceasfires and the peace process.
He said people didn't believe he could form an agreement between the IRA and Loyalists.
Tony Killeen Former Clare Fianna Fail Minister and TD served under him in Government.
And today as Mr Reynolds' skills as a negotiator are being remembered, Mr Kileen of the Corofin Kilnaboy area says his powers of persuasion didn't always work out. Particularly when managing relations between Fianna Fáil and other parties within coalitions.
While Cooraclare former Minister Brendan Daly was one of those Mr Reynolds removed from cabinet during what some describe as the valentines day masacre.
Speaking on Clare FM's Morning Focus he remembered the late Taoiseach's sense of humour, he highlighted one incident when Boris Jelson refused to get off a plane at Shannon Airport. According to Mr Daly Mr Reynolds attempted to board the flight but was refused by Russian security personnel.
Mr Reynolds is survived by his wife Kathleen, two sons and five daughters.
