The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has paid tribute to the former Fine Gael TD, Seymour Crawford, who has died.
Mr Crawford, who was 74, was a TD for the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan from 1992 - 2011 and was also a member of Monaghan County Council for over a decade.
Mr Varadkar said he had played a crucial role in the work of the British Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body during one of the most important periods of the Peace Process.
President Michael D Higgins said Seymour Crawford was a staunch representative of Monaghan values, of its culture and traditions and was an early voice for cross-border co-operation.
He said all the traditions that he represented were an important contribution to Irish life and to those who served with him in the Oireachtas.
President Higgins said Seymour Crawford's warm friendship, and good company, was always given with a wry generosity.
The former Fine Gael Taoseach John Bruton said Seymour Crawford had a deep interest in agriculture, and he brought into politics the practical approach he had learned as a farmer, and as a vice-President of Irish Farmers’ Association.
Mr Bruton said, coming from a border constituency, and a Presbyterian background, Seymour Crawford helped, in many ways, to bridge gaps in mutual understanding that grew up between the communities on this island.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys expressed her sadness at Seymour Crawford’s death.
She said: "Seymour was an extremely hardworking TD and he served the people of Cavan-Monaghan with great distinction in Dáil Éireann from 1992 up until his retirement in 2011. Seymour also served on Monaghan County Council from 1991 to 2003.
"I will always be extremely grateful to Seymour for introducing me to politics when I was co-opted on to Monaghan County Council in his place following the end of the dual mandate in 2003.
"Today is a very sad day for the Fine Gael Party in Cavan-Monaghan and in particular for the many people who worked so hard with Seymour down through the years during his various campaigns. Seymour never lost an election and that is perhaps the greatest compliment any politician can receive."
The Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin expressed his sadness at passing of Seymour Crawford.
Deputy Martin said: "Seymour was an affable and well respected member of the House across all parties and none.
He was a dedicated public servant who always promoted peace in Northern Ireland and he worked exceptionally hard for his constituents in his constituency of Cavan Monaghan both as a TD and a Councillor.
"He had a wry sense of humor, a great sense of decency and a very deep understanding of agricultural issues, stemming from his time in the Irish Farmers' Association."
Cavan Fine Gael Senator Joe O'Reilly said Seymour Crawford was an "absolute gentleman" who had devoted most of his life to public service.
He said: "After long service with the IFA, he served on Monaghan County Council and in Dáil Éireann. He brought real compassion and empathy to his dealings with people."
