Tributes paid after Cork-born businessman Ben Dunne dies in Dubai aged 74

TRIBUTES have been paid to Cork-born businessman Ben Dunne who passed away on Saturday after suffering a suspected heart attack in Dubai.

The 74-year-old businessman was the former director of the family business Dunnes Stores and the owner of a chain of gyms.

A controversial figure, Mr Dunne was kidnapped by the IRA in 1981 and was released after seven days after a ransom was reportedly paid.

Speaking following his death, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described him as a "larger than life" figure who led "a life less ordinary".

"I was deeply saddened to hear that Ben Dunne has died. A constituent of mine in Castleknock and a local employer, I met Ben many times. He really was larger than life,” he said.

"Among other things, he pioneered the fitness industry in Ireland first with Westpoint and then Ben Dunne Gyms. He led a life less ordinary and in turn, he made some mistakes in life.

"The best people do. He never allowed that to defeat him or hold him back. He touched the lives of tens of thousands who will mourn his loss."

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she was very sad to hear of his sudden death and said her thoughts are with his family at this time.

“He was a good man who cared about people. We will never see his likes again."

Mr Dunne’s son Robert said he would miss him in a way he could not describe, on social media.

"Overall, in the final analysis, he was a good and decent man,” he said.

Mr Dunne's father, Ben Dunne snr, opened the first Dunnes drapery store at 105 Patrick Street in Cork city in 1944.

When Ben Dunne died from a heart attack in 1983, leadership of the company became the responsibility of his son, Ben Jr.

Mr Dunne left the company in 1992 and established a successful chain of gyms.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that it was aware of the sudden death of an Irish citizen in Dubai and is providing consular assistance.

Mr Dunne is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Caroline and his three sons Robert, Nicholas and Mark.