Taoiseach leads tributes to Richard Harris

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern led tributes to actor Richard Harris, who died after a battle with Hodgkin's Disease.

Mr Ahern says he is deeply saddened by the news of the 72-year-old Limerick-born star's death.

Mr Ahern described the actor as "one of Ireland's most outstanding artists".

He added: "I wish to extend my sympathy to his family and wide circle of friends."

Film director Michael Winner said: "The lights have dimmed a lot with his passing.

"He was my neighbour for 10 years, and he was the most wonderful, warm character.

"He was not only a great friend and a very wonderful person to be with, he was one of our greatest actors, and had this great charisma of the star, which extended to his private life. He was the archetypal star, he was like an old Hollywood legend."

Chat show host Michael Parkinson said: "He was an extraordinary man, a great storyteller, very intelligent."

Parkinson, who interviewed Harris three times, added: "He was a hellraiser - it's a cliché, but that's what he was. He was from the old school of stars, like Peter O'Toole, strolling players, guys who love life."

Harris hoped to be in the third Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which starts shooting in March. Director Chris Columbus said before the actor's death was announced: "He did threaten to kill me if I recast him - I can't even repeat what he said to me."