Ahern pays tribute to former British PM Edward Heath

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has paid tribute to former British Prime Minister Edward Heath, who died last night at the age of 89.

Mr Heath was in office from 1970 to 1974 and was most noted for bringing the UK into the European Community.

In a statement issued after his death last night, Mr Ahern says he would be remembered with particular affection in Ireland because of his negotiation of the failed Sunningdale power-sharing agreement in the north.

However, questions remain about his handling of Bloody Sunday in Derry and the extent of his knowledge about the 1972 killings.