"I pay tribute to Nicola Sturgeon following her decision to stand down as First Minister of Scotland. I had the pleasure to work with Nicola through the British Irish Council and met her on a number of occasions. I also welcomed her to Government Buildings in Ireland during my first tenure as Taoiseach.

"I always found Nicola a very warm person, articulate and thoughtful, and a very capable politician, who showed huge commitment to her country. She was also a true European.

"I wish Nicola and her family the very best for the future."