Maureen Haughey, the wife of former Taoiseach Charles Haughey, has died aged 91.

Mrs Haughey passed away peacefully after a short illness at Dublin's Mater Hospital early this morning.

She was the daughter of Seán Lemass, also a former taoiseach. 

Her son Seán Haughey, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay North tweeted the announcement, saying she was "truly a remarkable woman".

So sad to announce that my mother passed away peacefully this morning-A truly remarkable woman.May she rest in peace pic.twitter.com/aJRIoHPUJi

— Sean Haughey (@sean_haughey) March 17, 2017

Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin has also paid tributes to Mrs Haughey, calling her "a wonderfully warm, dignified and intelligent woman".

"She was a tower of strength to her late husband former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and loving daughter of former Taoiseach Seán Lemass," he said. "Throughout her distinguished life she witnessed some of the major turning points in Irish history.

“Maureen was a very active woman and kept a keen interest in the evolution of Irish society. She was a patriot who loved her country and retained a key interest in the development of Irish society. I knew Maureen personally for many years and I enjoyed her company whenever we met. She was very knowledgeable, wise and engaging."

Party Leader of Fianna Fail Micheal Martin shakes hands with Maureen Haughey, Wife of former leader Charles Haughey at the Fianna Fail Launch of the Programme of Events to mark the Centenary of 1916 Easter Rising. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Mrs Haughey is survived by her family, Eimear, Conor, Ciaran, and Seán.