TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY has described Maeve Binchy as a “national treasure” as he paid tribute to the author who died last night.

Kenny was responding to the news which was released last night that the Irish fiction writer, who sold over 40 million books worldwide, has passed away. Binchy was 72.

“Today we have lost a national treasure.  Across Ireland and the world people are mourning and celebrating Maeve Binchy.

“She is a huge loss wherever stories of love, hope, generosity and possibility are read and cherished,” Kenny said.

Binchy, who is survived by her husband Gordon Snell, was the author of books such as Circle of Friends and Tara Road both of which were adapted for the big-screen.

Kenny said that the nation was “thankful for and proud of” Binchy who passed away at a hospital in Dublin last night.

The Taoiseach added:  ”I offer my deepest sympathies on behalf of the Government and the Irish people to her husband Gordon Snell and extended family.”

In pictures: The world pays tribute to Maeve Binchy on Twitter

Read: Beloved Irish writer Maeve Binchy has died, aged 72

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