A native of Rooskey, Roscommon, he'll be remembered for the instrumental part he played in restoring peace to Northern Ireland.
With a background in dancehalls, showbands and pet-food, Albert Reynolds wasn't the most likely of characters to go into politics.
But his fascination with it came about in part from the 'Arms Trial' of Charles Haughey and he appeared on the national stage in 1977, as a Longford Westmeath TD.
He later went to hold several ministries including Post and Telegraphs, Industry and Commerce as well as Finance.
When Charles Haughey resigned in February 1992, Reynolds became Taoiseach.
That Fianna Fail PD coalition later collapsed over the Beef Tribunal and Reynolds lost nine TDs in the election.
But he negotiated a new Government with Labour and was re-appointed Taoiseach.
His greatest achievement was undoubtedly the restoration of peace to Northern Ireland.
He opened up channels of communication with the Republicans and Loyalists –
The Downing Street Declaration and IRA cease-fire followed.
But his coalition with Labour was in trouble – finally coming to breaking point over an extradition case and the appointment of the then Attorney-General as president of the High Court.
Reynolds suddenly found himself forced to resign in November 1994.
A later bid for the Presidency was unsuccessful – after the majority of his party backed Mary McAleese.
He retired from politics at the 2002 general election after 25 years as a TD.
