President Michael D. Higgins leads tributes to Marian Finucane

The tragic news tonight is that veteran broadcaster Marian Finucane has passed away suddenly, aged 69.
Among the first to pay tribute was President Michael D. Higgins who, encapsulating the thoughts of many in the country, says: "With her death, Ireland has lost a deeply respected, trusted and much-loved broadcaster. Having started her career with RTÉ in 1974, Marian Finucane had become a central part of Irish broadcasting life, covering its events, its personalities, its changes and its tribulations.
"A superb professional, many will remember the wisdom and sensitivity with which Marian Finucane dealt with discussions and confrontations between different voices on what were controversial issues of the day. She was one of the very early exemplars to those who sought a proper representation of women in broadcasting. There will be many, in every part of Irish life, who will miss Marian's voice, but of course her loss is felt most acutely by her family and friends."
Echoing those sentiments, Director General, Dee Forbes, describes her as "a broadcaster of immense capability; a household name, she was first and foremost a tenacious journalist with a zeal for breaking new ground.
"From Women Today to Liveline to her weekday radio show on Radio 1 and, latterly, her enormously popular Saturday and Sunday radio programme, she tackled the big social issues of the day with command and insight.
"Multi-skilled, she forged a distinguished career on television, as well as undertaking significant charity work in Africa. Ireland has lost a unique voice. RTÉ has lost a beloved colleague. My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to her husband John and son Jack."
Here are some of the other tributes that have been paid to Marian tonight:

I am deeply saddened by the death of Marian Finucane .She was the voice of reason on the national airwaves for 40 years. Fair, welcoming ,reassuring , trusting and trusted , charming yet inquisitive she was a unique broadcaster. RIP

— JOE DUFFY (@joeliveline) January 2, 2020

I find this so hard to believe😔
She was an absolute legend
A powerhouse who broke every mould...& she was also v good to broadcasters like me who came up behind her.
Like Gaybo shes irreplaceable #Marian
Death announced of RTÉ broadcaster Marian Finucane https://t.co/QWwVPElLY9

— Ciara Kelly (@ciarakellydoc) January 2, 2020

Ah, that’s very sad about the death of Marian Finucane. A lovely woman and a brilliant broadcaster, it was always a pleasure to do an interview with her; just the easy intelligence of her. She will be missed.

— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) January 2, 2020

The lesser known Marian Finucane. The architect, activist and proud Dublin woman: RTÉ Archives | Arts and Culture | Marian Finucane as a Student Protester https://t.co/BP9AIx7WGa

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 2, 2020

So sad to hear of the passing of Marian Finucane, Marian always treated me with patience and kindness throughout interviews over the years.
What a wonderful lady, my thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. R.I.P 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/UUb5nNnW7J

— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) January 2, 2020

So sad and shocked to hear of Marian Finucane’s death. She was a hero to me, the most skillful interviewer, with endless curiosity and wicked humour. RIP

— Keelin Shanley (@KeelinShanley) January 2, 2020