SENATOR Edward Kennedy, 76, who was diagnosed with brain cancer on Tuesday, is in the thoughts of Irish Americas around the country, and fans of the Kennedy family in Ireland.An Irish government spokesperson said the Irish Ambassador to Washington, Michael Collins, had been in contact with the Kennedys since the senator's admission to hospital to express the government's concern.On Tuesday Irish American leaders responded to the shocking news. Attorney John Dearie, the former New York State Assemblyman told the Irish Voice, "Aside from the obvious that our prayers and thoughts are with him, we're talking about the person who has carried the Kennedy mantle now for the better part of these four decades since the passing of his brother. He is beyond just a political figure, he's a giant with regard to his political accomplishments and there are few who have accomplished more than he has in his legislative career."Attorney and former Congressman Bruce Morrison told the Irish Voice, "All our thoughts are with his family that he will have a speedy recovery from his illness. Clearly it's a very challenging situation but he is a man who has always shown great strength in the face of challenges and we hope and pray that he will conquer this one as well. "Attorney Brian O'Dwyer, chair of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center told the Irish Voice, "We're all very saddened by the news about Senator Kennedy. Over the years we have to remember him for hiscontribution to Irish America."Kelly Fincham, executive director of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, praised Kennedy for his commitment to securing comprehensive reform."Ted Kennedy has been a giant of the Senate. He has put immigration reform on the map and has worked tirelessly to ensure the undocumented including thousands of Irish are not exploited and find a fair way to ensure they can stay here legally," she said."Without his work this issue would not even be on the radar. He attended three of our ILIR rallies and his impassioned words in defense of the undocumented will stay with us for a long time. We wish him the best in his battle against his illness and we are certain that if anyone can recover from this illness he can. He's been an enormous friend to undocumented Irish as well as every single Irish person who's ever set foot in the United States." Kennedy led the fight in the Senate for immigration reform. He has championed the issue for years, and his efforts to pass comprehensive reform with Senator John McCain failed narrowly in 2006 and were defeated again in 2007.During the peace process Kennedy played a critical role when he decided to back a visa for Sinn Fein leader Gerry dams to come to America in January 1994. Without that visa it is highly unlikely an American role in the peace process would have occurred.Over the years Kennedy was the point man for Irish Americans and the Irish government on dozens of issues. The Irish government paid tribute to his role recently when Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern announced a $2 million donation to the Kennedy Library in Boston during a post-St. Patrick's Day visit there.Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy Minister Martin McGuinness wrote a letter to Kennedy wishing him well."Your personal support for our peace-building work here has been a great source of encouragement. We were delighted when you joined us here in Stormont last May to mark the establishment of the new institutions and were hugely honored by your welcome to us in Washington last December and again in April," they wrote."Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time and we look forward to meeting you again soon."