Reaction: President Mary McAleese led tributes to former Northern Secretary Mo Mowlam, who died yesterday aged 55, following a long battle with cancer.
At a press conference before travelling to the US yesterday, Mrs McAleese praised the role Dr Mowlam played in the peace process, saying she had been a force for good in Ireland.
"She brought great spirit and courage to all aspects of her life, both professional and personal and will be sadly missed by all those who knew and worked with her," she said.
Government and Opposition leaders paid tribute, describing her as a woman of colour, courage and conviction.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the Irish people had held her in great affection and esteem. "Even at her lowest moments, she always seemed to have enough energy and enthusiasm to lift an occasion and to inspire those around her. No matter what the challenge, Mo tackled it with courage and sincerity." He said she had worked tirelessly in the negotiations for the Belfast Agreement.
Tánaiste Mary Harney described her as "a woman of extraordinary colour, courage and character. Because she had the courage of her convictions and the courage to face personal adversity, she was a politician who made a real difference."
British prime minister Tony Blair led tributes from across the political spectrum in Westminster. Mr Blair said Dr Mowlam was "one of the most remarkable and colourful personalities" to come into politics.
"It is no exaggeration to say she transformed the politics not just of Northern Ireland itself, but crucially of relations between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom and it was this transformation that created the culture in which peace-making could flourish."
Former US president Bill Clinton said Dr Mowlam's plain-speaking and good humour were "legendary" and her work in Northern Ireland deserved gratitude from all sides. Former US senator George Mitchell, who chaired the talks that led to the Belfast Agreement, said she was an outstanding politician whose warmth and energy were crucial to the success of the peace process.
There was a mixed response from Northern political figures.
DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley sympathised with her husband and family and praised Dr Mowlam's fortitude during her illness, but then described her as "no lover of unionists".
"Stating that convicted murderers were unsung heroes of the peace process caused great offence. Nevertheless, she did recognise those who were truly unionist, but sadly never faced up to the widespread opposition to the Belfast Agreement," he added.
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said while he was never in agreement with her policies, particularly on the RUC, she "was a brave and sometimes controversial Secretary of State".
Former UUP leader David Trimble also acknowledged the policy differences between them, but said he admired her "straight-talking" nature.
Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness said she played a "crucial role" in the Belfast Agreement talks, adding: "Mo Mowlam will be remembered fondly by the vast majority of Irish people."
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said Dr Mowlam did not take herself seriously but she took her responsibility seriously. Former SDLP leader John Hume said she put peace and justice in the North at the top of her agenda and she was "prominently" involved in the Belfast Agreement.
