RIGHT-TO-DIE campaigner Marie Fleming has died, her partner has said.
Ms Fleming (59) who had multiple sclerosis, died at her home in Arklow, Co Wicklow, at around 5.30am yesterday. Her partner Tom Curran, who was with her at the time, said he was not expecting her death.
"She was at home. That was her wish," he said.
Ms Fleming lost a highly publicised Supreme Court case in Dublin in April. She argued that her partner should be allowed help her end her life without fear of prosecution as she was physically unable to do it herself.
She was in the latter stages of MS, was confined to a wheelchair and needed 24-hour care.
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fail health spokesman, said he was saddened to learn of Ms Fleming's death.
"I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Marie Fleming's partner Tom Curran, her family and friends," he said.
"Marie Fleming battled her illness with fortitude and great dignity. Her campaign brought important issues into the public domain and she, along with her partner Tom, displayed huge courage throughout."
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said: "My thoughts today are with Tom Curran, Marie's partner who campaigned alongside her, and with her children Corrinna and Simon."
"Marie's campaign on issues around the right to die was both brave and courageous.
"And while pursuing her campaign - at both political and legal levels - was always going to be a challenge, her deeply held conviction meant it was one she was never going to back away from.
"Marie successfully highlighted the complex issues that affect people who find themselves in a situation like hers, and the fact that her case has kick-started a national debate on these matters will be her lasting legacy."
* 'BATTLED HER ILLNESS WITH GREAT DIGNITY': Marie Fleming, who had multiple sclerosis, died at her home in Arklow,
Co Wicklow, at around 5.30am PICTURE: Niall Carson/PA
n CASE: Ms Fleming and her partner Tom Curran who she had argued should be allowed help her end her life without fear of prosecution
PICTURE: Family
Handout/PA