The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, led tributes to the barrister, Mr Eamon Leahy SC, who died unexpectedly yesterday. He said his thoughts were with Mr Leahy's wife, Ms Mary Hanafin, the Government Chief Whip.
She returned to Ireland from Amsterdam where she had been about to depart on Government business to South America when informed of her husband's sudden death.
The Morris tribunal into the alleged activities of some gardaí in Donegal, which is hearing evidence in Donegal town, adjourned. Mr Leahy had acted as lead counsel for the Garda Commissioner. The Taoiseach said Mr Leahy was a leading member of the Bar and one of the foremost criminal lawyers of his day.
As a mark of respect, the Government cancelled a special Cabinet meeting planned for tomorrow morning.
"I know that his colleagues in the legal profession are deeply saddened at his passing and have paid many tributes to his skills," said Mr Ahern.
"On a human level, Eamon's great humour, his compassion and his innate decency endeared him to all of us who came into contact with him. I know that his many friends will find his passing very difficult to bear." Mr Ahern added: "Eamon was also a man of great public spirit who took an active interest in the welfare of his community. He lent his many talents to the service of the State, serving, for example, as chairman of the Legal Aid Board."
The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, led tributes from the PDs.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said he wished to convey his deepest sympathy to Ms Hanafin. "During his relatively short legal career, Eamon Leahy distinguished himself as an outstanding lawyer. I send my deepest condolences to Mary Hanafan at this very difficult time," said Mr Kenny.
The Labour chief whip, Mr Emmet Stagg, said he learned of Mr Leahy's death with sadness.
The leader of the Greens, Mr Trevor Sargent, also expressed sadness at the death.
Mr Justice Frederick Morris said: "Eamonn Leahy was a popular, friendly, warm and highly esteemed colleague of everybody who knew him, either professionally or in private life. For the Bar to be deprived of Eamonn Leahy's talents at such an early age is nothing short of tragic."
