Tributes have continued to flow for Democratic Senator, Edward Kennedy, who died yesterday at the age of 77 after battling brain cancer.

Kennedy was well known for his family political history, being the youngest brother of assassinated President John Kennedy. He was the third-longest-serving senator of all time, having served in office since November 1962.

The life of the Massachusetts’ politician will be remembered for its controversy as much as for its achievment.

Throughout his career, Kennedy campaigned for better worker rights, increased funding for education, fairer foreign policy and immigration law.

He also controversially criticised the Bush administration for its decision to invade Iraq, and the interrogation techniques used on suspected terrorists of the war on terror.

“I voted against the war, it was the best vote that I cast in the United States Senate.  This was the wrong war at the wrong time,” Kennedy said during an interview with CBS in 2007.

A year ago, Kennedy was diagnosed with brain cancer which was expected to keep him from returning to the senate, however he famously dismissed doctors’ orders to attend a democratic convention where he endorsed the Barrack Obama’s bid for presidency.

On of the many recognised world figures to pay tribute to the late democratic politician include Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who said Kennedy was a great friend to Australia.

“He has made an extraordinary contribution to American politics and extraordinary contribution to America’s role in the world,” Rudd said

“This has been a unique career. Ted Kennedy will be sadly missed in America, he will be sadly missed around the world, including in Australia.”

US President Obama has also praised the career and life of Kennedy, stating America had lost “the greatest United States senator of our time”.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?

Was Ted Kennedy the greatest senator of all time?

How will the death of Kennedy effect the Democratic Party?