Richard Egan

The former US ambassador to Ireland, Richard Egan (above centre), has died following a battle with lung cancer.

The 73-year-old was a key fundraiser for the Republican party and in particular for former president George W Bush, raising tens of millions of dollars during the 2000 presidential election. Bush appointed Egan as US ambassador in 2001 and he held the position until 2003.

The former US Marine Corps helicopter pilot founded data storage technology provider EMC Corp in 1979 and had a personal worth of more than $1bn according to the 2009 Forbes rich list.

Egan, who died at his Boston home on Friday, is survived by his wife and four children.