The death has taken place of former Fianna Fáil Senator Michael Yeats. He was 86.
Michael Yeats was the only son of the poet WB Yeats.
He served both as a Senator and as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, and was also one of Ireland's first members of the European Parliament.
He wrote about his political career in the book 'Cast a Cold Eye'.
Michael Yeats was involved in a number of events and exhibitions concerning his father, and most recently donated significant items from the Yeats archive to be displayed at the ongoing Yeats exhibition at the National Library.
Brian Crowley, leader of the Fianna Fáil group in the European Parliament, has said that Michael Yeats was a great supporter of Ireland.
He said Mr Yeats played a central role in the European Union and that he was also a great supporter of increased powers for the European Parliament.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said he was saddened to learn of the death of Michael Yeats and offered his sympathies to the Yeats family.
