Emer I Chuiv, the last surviving daughter of Fianna Fail founder and first Taoiseach Eamon de Valera, died in hospital in Dublin aged 93.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said he was deeply saddened to learn of her death.

Mr Martin said: "Eamon has often spoken of how his mother greatly encouraged him to enter politics and was a great source of strength to him throughout his political career.

"She was particularly proud when he was appointed as minister of state with special responsibility for the Gaeltacht, Irish language and island development in 1997, and was subsequently elected to Cabinet as minister for community, rural and Gaeltacht affairs in 2002.

"Eamon's loss, and that of his brothers and sisters, is immense today.

"I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and that of the Fianna Fail party to Eamon and his family at this difficult time."

Mrs I Chuiv was married to Brian O Cuiv, renowned Irish language professor, and they had nine children. Her children and grandchildren were at her bedside when she died.