THE POLITICAL WORLD has been paying its respects to the mother of Taoiseach Enda Kenny who has passed away.

Eithne Kenny was 93. She is survived by her four sons and a daughter.

The family is steeped in Fine Gael tradition with her husband Henry having been a party TD in Mayo up until his death when he was succeeded by son Enda.

Fine Gael party chairman Charlie Flanagan offered his condolences in a statement this afternoon:

On behalf of all members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, I offer my deepest sympathy to the Taoiseach on this very sad day.

The loss of a loved one is always difficult but particularly so at this time of year.

The thoughts and prayers of the entire Parliamentary Party are with them all during this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said:

On behalf of the Labour Party I would like to express my condolences on the death of Mrs Eithne Kenny.

My thoughts are with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his family on this sad day.

I have spoken to the Taoiseach directly and have extended my sympathies to him.

The opposition have also expressed their sympathies, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said in a statement: “My sympathy and that of my party is with the Taoiseach and his family at this sad time.”

While Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said:

I want to extend my sincere condolences to An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his family on the sad passing of his mother Eithne.

Is mian liom mo chomhbhrón a chur in iúl do theaghlach Kenny ar bhás a mháthar. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

Separately Fine Gael has said that the party’s presidential dinner will go ahead in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin this evening but there will be no media events in light of the passing of Mrs Kenny.

Read: Taoiseach’s mother Eithne Kenny dies >