Tributes paid to former President Hillery

Tributes for the former president Dr Patrick Hillery have been flooding in from around the country.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has expressed his deepest sympathy to Dr Hillery's family.

Speaking on national radio, President McAleese said his contributions to the education system laid the ground work for Ireland's economic success.

While Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has said Dr Hillery played a crucial role in ensuring the stability of the state after the 70's arms crisis in the north.