American author Philip Roth has died at the age of 85.
The Pulitzer-prize winner won critical acclaim for his novels, which include American Pastoral and Portnoy's Complaint.
The New York Times has reported that Roth - who was born in Newark, New Jersey, and passed away at a hospital in New York - suffered from congestive heart failure.
His other literary prizes included two National Book Awards for Fiction, and a Man Booker International Prize for lifetime achievement.
While receiving widespread acclaim for his examinations of American life and his blending of autobiography and fiction, he was also praised for his sense of humour - with some commentators describing his books as among the funniest they've ever read.
Barack Obama, right, presents a National Humanities Medal to novelist Philip Roth, left. Picture by: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP/Press Association Images
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe paid tribute to Roth.
He said: "He's a writer for our times. He wrote a particular book entitled The Plot Against America, which is about what can happen in democracies. If there was ever a book for our times, and a book for reflection, it's that novel.
"His books - his American trilogy, the way he wrote about men and women - he was a fabulous writer, and I think he'll be sorely missed by everyone who has enjoyed his work."
Tributes were also paid across social media:
RIP Philip Roth. One of our greats. A very sad moment for American, and global, literature.
— Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) May 23, 2018
We are saddened to hear of Philip Roth’s passing. He was virtually without peer in American letters over the last sixty years and leaves behind a legacy of books – angry, hilarious, captivating and unique – that will be read for generations. Our condolences are with his family. pic.twitter.com/eFC0QHbFAU
— Penguin Books UK (@PenguinUKBooks) May 23, 2018
What does a writer do all day, Philip Roth? pic.twitter.com/SAeQYQoCaS
— John Self (@john_self) May 23, 2018
