President Michael D. Higgins has paid tribute to the former president of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel who has died following an illness.
In a statement issued this evening, Mr Higgins said it was "with deep sadness" that he heard of Mr Havel's death.
"I was in correspondence with him in recent weeks but I also have the warmest memories of his visit to Ireland during my time as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht and the great appreciation there was for his contributions, at the Irish Writers’ Centre, on the responsibility of the intellectual in politics.
"Through the inspiration of Vaclav’s words, the courage of his dissidence and the integrity of his leadership, Czechoslovakia successfully transitioned from an authoritarian state to a free democracy at the heart of Europe.
"He also ensured that the later separation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia was achieved peacefully and without compromising democratic values."
"On my own behalf and behalf of the Irish people, I extend sincere condolences to President Klaus and to the Czech people. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson said it was with "deep sadness" that she learned of Mr Havel's death.
"It was always a joy to interact with Vaclav Havel and I was honoured to do so in many ways over many years."
Recalling Mr Havel's 1996 State visit to Ireland, Mrs Robinson said:
"It was a particular honour to welcome him on a State Visit to Ireland and remember with special warmth the evening we spent enjoying Irish music and song in Johnnie Fox’s pub — perhaps not the usual sort of state visit venue but absolutely right on that occasion!"
"Havel was the first recipient of Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award in 2003. I know that this award meant a lot to him — and it was inspired by Seamus Heaney's poem The Republic of Conscience."
"The following extract from the poem is so apt, at this tragic time, as we mourn the loss of a remarkable man.
“At their inauguration, public leaders
must swear to uphold unwritten law and weep
to atone for their presumption to hold office
and to affirm their faith that all life sprang
from salt in tears which the sky-god wept
after he dreamt his solitude was endless”