Sen. Ted Kennedy Mourned Across the World

August 26, 2009 — -- As news of Sen. Ted Kennedy's death spread around the world, tributes to the man known as the "liberal lion of the Senate" poured in from across the globe.

From South Africa to London, condolences streamed out from the world's capitols.

But it is arguably across the British Isles that Kennedy's death resonated the most, with both current and former leaders praising the Irish-American for his role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland.

Descendants of Irish immigrants, Kennedy and his brothers John and Robert drew large crowds of admirers whenever they visited Ireland.

Click here for ABC News' full coverage of Kennedy's death.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown today hailed the man he called "the Senator of Senators," saying "Sen. Edward Kennedy will be mourned not just in America but in every continent."

Britain honored Kennedy with a knighthood in March of this year.

"Northern Ireland today is at peace, more Americans have health care, children around the world are going to school. And for all these things, we owe a great debt to the life, and courage, of Sen. Edward Kennedy." Brown said in a tribute earlier this year during a speech before a joint session of Congress in Washington.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said today that Kennedy was "a figure who inspired admiration, respect and devotion, not just in America but around the world."

"I saw his focus and determination firsthand in Northern Ireland, where his passionate commitment was matched with a practical understanding of what needed to be done to bring about peace and to sustain it," Blair recalled. "I was delighted he could join us in Belfast the day devolved government was restored."

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen described Kennedy as "a great friend of Ireland," thanking him for using "his considerable influence in the world's most powerful parliament for the betterment of this island."

'In good days and bad," Cowen said, "Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island....Today, America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend."