Taoiseach Brian Cowen has paid tribute to former Irish Independent editor Vinnie Doyle, who died today at the age of 72.
Mr Doyle was the seventh editor of the newspaper in its 100 year history. He had previously been editor of the Evening Herald.
“Vinnie Doyle was a legendary figure in Irish media,” Mr Cowen said."His traditional commitment to news gathering and values won him the respect of his peers in journalism and beyond that in the worlds of politics, business and sport.”
“Vinnie Doyle believed in getting the story and in getting it right. I want to extend my sympathy to Vinnie's family and many friends,” the Taoiseach added.
Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore described Mr Doyle as “a courageous and innovative editor” who was admired by his colleagues “not just for his skills as an editor, but also because he had worked his way up through the ranks, carrying out almost every task possible in the production of a newspaper.”
Green Party leader John Gormley described Mr Doyle as “a leader in Irish newspaper journalism across three decades” whose work was characterised by “immediacy, accuracy and simplicity”.
Mr Doyle stepped down from his role as editor of the Irish Independent in 2005 and was replaced by former Evening Herald editor Gerry O'Regan.
In 2004, Mr Doyle won the special judges award at the Journalist of the Year Awards for an outstanding contribution to Irish journalism.
He is survived by his wife, Gertie, and three sons.
