Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has led cross party tributes to former Kerry Fine Gael councillor Jim Finucane who died last evening aged 68.
Describing him as "the best Oireachtas member we never had", the Tánaiste said Mr Finucane had "a huge length of service to Kerry and to Fine Gael".
Mr Finucane, a former mayor of Tralee, chairman of Kerry County Council and chair of Kerry ETB, had been served as a public representative in Kerry for almost four decades.
A draughtsman and auctioneer by profession and a strong advocate for tourism development in Tralee, he stepped down from politics at the last local election, but continued to be involved in education and community issues.
At a ceremony last month, Ukrainian ambassador Larysa Gerasko appointed him the country's first honorary Ukrainian consul for the south west of Ireland in recognition of his work for Ukrainian community, including the almost 10,000 refugees, living in Kerry.
Mr Finucane had been in the social justice movement that characterised Young Fine Gael during the Garret FitzGerald era while living in Dublin, Mr Harris said.
Humble and "egoless" he was also very determined and Mr Harris said that in his role as Minister for Further and Higher Education, he had come to know him as a strong advocate for projects for Kerry College.
He embodied the best of public representation - getting involved for the right reasons, staying humble and remembering why he got involved, Mr Harris said on Radio Kerry.
"He was the best Oireachtas member we never had," he said.
Kerry TD and Minister for Children Disability and Equality Norma Foley also paid tribute.
"It was my great good fortune to count Jim as a friend. At every step of my political career - Jim was there," said Ms Foley.
Kerry's Fine Gael Senator Michael Kennelly, along with Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Fine Gael's Michael Foley also paid tribute and expressed their profound sadness at Mr Finucane's death.
Mr Finucane is survived by his wife Sheila and their children and grandchildren.
