Tributes pour in as former Irish Examiner political editor passes away

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is among those paying tribute to former Irish Examiner political editor Liam O’Neill, who has passed away.

An Taoiseach today said he was saddened to hear of the death of Liam O'Neill, the former political editor of the Irish Examiner.

"Liam was a very astute political analyst and a very experienced journalist having written about most of the big political stories over the last number of decades.

"He was well respected by all politicians and the political writers who worked around Leinster House and will be missed."

Sad to heat of the death of former @irishexaminer colleague Liam O Neill the paper's long serving political editor

— Seán McCárthaigh (@seanmccarthaigh) March 14, 2015

Sorry to learn of the passing of Liam O'Neill former Political Corr of @irishexaminer Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dhílis

— CMDIRL (@CMDIRL) March 14, 2015

Gerard Howlin also expressed his condolences, describing the late Wexford man as "a gentleman".

Just heard of death of Liam O'Neil ex Political Editor @irishexaminer. He was a gentleman.

— Gerard Howlin (@GerardHowlin) March 14, 2015

"Sad to hear of former Examiner political correspondent, Liam O'Neill's passing: a fine man, a kind colleague. Rest in peace," said Mark Hennessy of the Irish Times.

@irishexaminer Sad to hear of former Examiner political correspondent, Liam O'Neill's passing: a fine man, a kind colleague. Rest in peace

— Mark Hennessy (@MarkHennessy) March 14, 2015

O'Neill retired from the  Irish Examiner in 2001, after 30 years of political reporting