The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, led the tributes to Mr O'Dwyer, saying: "His contribution will be gratefully remembered by the people of Ireland". "He was one of the pioneers in his generation of a deeper engagement by the United States and by Irish-America in resolving the conflict in Northern Ireland."
Mr Ahern said the "much-loved and respected elder statesman . . . was dedicated to freedom, prosperity and social well-being of the whole of Ireland. He was a strong and powerful critic of abuses of state power in Northern Ireland. He fully supported the Irish peace process, and lived to witness the Good Friday Agreement."
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, expressed his "shock and deep sadness" and sent his condolences to Mr O'Dwyer's widow, family and friends.
"Paul O'Dwyer was a lifelong champion of Irish freedom. Over the decades, Paul worked unceasingly against discrimination and injustice in Ireland, in the United States and internationally . . . His death is a great loss. He will be missed," said Mr Adams.
The president of Republican Sinn Fein, Mr Ruairi O Bradaigh, said Mr O'Dwyer "fought imperialism wherever he saw it".
"He was always to the forefront in the demand for Irish national independence and a British withdrawal from this country," Mr O Bradaigh said.
