Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., on the death of the First Minister of Scotland
"I have learned with deep regret and personal sadness of the passing of Donald Dewar M.P., M.S.P. I wish to offer my sincere sympathy to his family, colleagues and friends at this time.
"Mr. Dewar was a man of great personal integrity who was widely respected for his considerable political skills, and for his steadiness and wisdom with which he guided Scotland through the historic devolution process. He will be sadly missed by the Scottish people.
"I had the pleasure of meeting him when he visited Dublin at the end of last month and had an opportunity to see at first hand his deep commitment to developing and enriching relations between Scotland and Ireland. He was a great supporter of the positive changes that have taken place in Ireland in recent years, particularly the peace process. He was also a valued member of the British-Irish Council.
"Scotland and Ireland have lost a good friend."
