The Taoiseach led tributes yesterday to the Tipperary South Fine Gael TD, Ms Theresa Ahearn, who died after a long illness.
Mr Ahern said the late TD was respected on all sides of the political divide and was a very committed and hard-working politician who was passionate in her beliefs.
"As an opposition spokesperson she shadowed many ministries and served with distinction on a variety of committees. She was a tireless worker on issues of concern to the community in her native Tipperary," he said.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, who was abroad when he learned of Ms Ahearn's death, said her passing was a tragedy for her beloved family, for her friends throughout south Tipperary and for the Fine Gael party.
"She bore a long and trying illness with dignity and courage. To the very end she retained a lively interest in the causes that she served in her public and private life. Her devotion to her husband, Liam, and to her sons was evident to all those who visited her in recent weeks."
Mr Bruton said Ms Ahearn's commitment to Fine Gael was evident during the recent by-election campaign in South Tipperary.
"A by-election is always a difficult challenge for a sitting deputy, but Theresa Ahearn's commitment to the success of the campaign of her colleague, Tom Hayes, was inspiring to all of us who worked alongside her in that campaign."
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, described Ms Ahearn as an outstanding public representative and a loyal and dedicated servant of the people of Tipperary. "Her presence in the Dail will be sorely missed.
"She showed that women, against all the odds, could forge successful careers in national politics and make a real difference in the process."
The Fine Gael deputy leader, Mrs Nora Owen, adjourned the Fine Gael front bench meeting yesterday as a mark of respect to the late deputy.
"Although we all knew that Theresa was seriously ill over the last few weeks, I am deeply shattered by her untimely death. Theresa was an inspiration to all of her colleagues and she personified the very best in public service."
The leader of the Labour Party, Mr Ruairi Quinn, said it was with great sadness that he heard of the death of Ms Ahearn.
"Theresa will be dearly remembered for the dignity and personal courage she displayed in coping with serious illness while at the same time managing to serve her constituents."
The Labour Party spokeswoman on Equality and Law Reform, Ms Jan O'Sullivan, said that during the passage of both the Equal Status and Employment Equality legislation, Ms Ahearn had tabled many amendments and made many suggestions to improve and enhance an important body of law.