Tributes poured in yesterday as politicians and others lamented the death of former Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, one of the most popular and charismatic politicians of her generation, writes Martin Wall in London.
Dr Mowlam's political work was praised for the most part, with some discordant comments coming from Northern political leaders.
Dr Mowlam died early yesterday, in the presence of her family at a hospice in Kent. She had never regained consciousness following a fall two weeks ago in which she hit her head.
She had had a brain tumour in 1997, shortly before the election of the first Blair administration, and had difficulties with her balance after radiotherapy treatment.
Last week Dr Mowlam was transferred from hospital in London to Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury. A family representative said yesterday that she had died at 8.10am.
Doctors and family members had decided earlier this week to disconnect feeding tubes when it became clear she was not going to recover.
Dr Mowlam had previously drawn up a living will stating she did not wish to be kept alive artificially if there was no hope and asked not to be resuscitated if her heart stopped.
Her funeral will be a private family occasion, although a memorial event will be held in a few months.
Dr Mowlam - one of New Labour's most popular figures - stood down from the Commons at the 2001 general election, after 14 years as an MP.
She had won widespread acclaim for her efforts in working towards the Belfast Agreement when she was recovering from treatment for the brain tumour.
Renowned for her light-hearted disregard of formality - kicking off her shoes and chewing gum in meetings - she reputedly took her wig off to break the tension during talks in the North. She also shocked colleagues with her colourful language.
The President, Mrs McAleese, yesterday led tributes to Dr Mowlam, praising the role she had played in the peace process.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that "no matter what the challenge, Mo tackled it with courage and sincerity."
British prime minister Tony Blair said Dr Mowlam had transformed the politics of Northern Ireland and the relations between UK and the Republic of Ireland.