Senator Edward Kennedy worked long and hard for peace in Ireland, and was passionately committed to ending the sectarian violence that existed for decades in both Northern Ireland and in the Republic, and welcomed the creation of a Northern Irish government based on a devolved government and power sharing that grew out of 1998′s Good Friday Agreement.

 The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese said that Sen. Kennedy would be remembered by the people in Ireland as a:

 hugely important friend to the country during very difficult times.

His death will be greeted with a great sense of sadness here because of his long standing affection for this country, not just with the peace process, but on many other issues, including emigration.

His outstanding and remarkable personal contribution was made, despite the sacrifice and sorrow that was part of the overall contribution of the entire Kennedy family.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen offered his condolences to the Kennedy family. The Prime Minister said:

I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy last night.

Senator Ted Kennedy was one of the most distinguished and talented figures in American politics. Over 47 years as a Senator, he has made a massive contribution to his country and to the causes of justice and peace around the world.

The huge esteem in which Ted was held across the United States was never more evident than last year in the outpouring of concern and good wishes when news of his illness became public.

He has been described as being the “the Lion of the Senate” in recognition of his legislative record and for his constant championing of the political causes which were dear to him throughout his political life. He was a great advocate for the vulnerable and the less well-off in society.

Ted Kennedy, who hailed from the most famous Irish-American family, through his own endeavours and achievement, added further distinction to his family’s well-earned reputation for public service.

Ted Kennedy will be remembered with great affection and enduring respect here in Ireland. Ted Kennedy was a great friend of Ireland.

In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island. He played a particularly important role in the formative days of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. He maintained a strong and genuine interest in its progress. He used his political influence wisely. He was the voice of moderation and common sense. He was unequivocal in his rejection of violence at all times and from all quarters. He believed that only politics would provide a sustainable and enduring way forward. His belief that the United States could play a strong role in solving our problems has been vindicated by the success of the Peace Process.

He was a strong supporter of US investment in Ireland as a means of consolidating the political developments that had taken place here. That economic dividend will be an enduring legacy of his political contribution to the Peace Process.

In his dignified and courageous response to his illness, Ted Kennedy created his own ‘Profile in Courage’.

Today, America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend.

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Ted’s wife, Vicki, his children, extended family and friends.

In March of this year Sen Kennedy was awarded an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth for his services to the US-UK relationship and to the Northern Ireland peace process.