McAleese expresses condolences on death of Prince Rainier

President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern have expressed condolences on the death of Prince Rainier of Monaco.

The 81-year-old, who ruled the Mediterranean principality for more than 55 years, died this morning after a number of weeks in hospital with lung, heart and kidney problems.

Mrs McAleese said Irish people felt a special affinity to Monaco through the Prince's late wife, Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, whom she described as a much-loved friend of Ireland.