Former Fine Gael minister and ceann comhairle Seán Barrett has died at the age of 81.
Mr Barrett was a TD for Dún Laoghaire in south Dublin for 34 years, having first been elected in 1981. He retired in 2002, but was elected again from 2007 to 2020.
He was twice Government chief whip - firstly under Garret Fitzgerald and later under John Bruton in the 1994 rainbow coalition.
Mr Barrett also served as ceann comhairle from 2011 to 2016, and as Minister for Defence and Minister for Education.
He was originally from Dalkey and was educated in CBC Monkstown Park, Presentation College in Glasthule, and the former College of Commerce in Rathmines.
He is survived by his wife Sheila, children and grandchildren.
Tánaiste Simon Harris and party leader described Mr Barrett as a "distinguished parliamentarian" who dedicated much of his life to public service.
He said he was "witty, intelligent, sincere, and a man of deep convictions".
"In his role as ceann comhairle he exuded fairness, authority, and a firm but measured approach in the chair," Mr Harris said in a statement.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" at the passing of Mr Barrett.
"Seán gave distinguished service to the State - as Chief Whip, as Ceann Comhairle and as a minister.
"He was a thorough gentleman. I enjoyed his company in Dáil Éireann - we always got on well," he said in a statement.
Minister for Health and Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said Mr Barrett was an "excellent public representative for the people of Dún Laoghaire, representing our community with dignity, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to public life".
She added. "On a personal level, Seán was enormously kind to me during my time working for Fine Gael in Leinster House, and even more so as a new councillor and TD for our area. His advice was invaluable.
"His extensive contribution to our area is evident today in the many organisations he supported, not only through his work as a public representative but also as a volunteer.
"When I am out canvassing, people still mention his kindness and support for the people of Dún Laoghaire, whom he represented so proudly."
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy said Mr Barrett was a "forward-thinking man".
She said Mr Barrett "believed democracy relied on the public engaging with political life", adding he "was instrumental in developing Oireachtas TV".
"Serving with fairness and distinction, he will be remembered by his colleagues for his kindness and his contribution to our democracy," she added.
