Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to former Fianna Fáil TD and minister of state Dan Wallace who has died at the age of 82.
Mr Wallace who was also a former lord mayor of Cork served as a minister of state at the Department of the Environment on two occasions and a junior minister under taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Albert Reynolds.
Mr Martin said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the passing of his "dear friend and former colleague".
"Dan was a dedicated public servant who gave almost 25 years of his life to representing the people of Cork North Central in Dáil Éireann.
"First elected in 1982, he was successfully re-elected in every general election until his retirement in 2007 - a testament to the deep trust and respect he earned from his community.
"Throughout his career, Dan was a tireless advocate for the people of the north side of Cork city. His passion for serving his people was unwavering, and he fought relentlessly to improve their lives."
Ireland South MEP and former Cork North Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher described Mr Wallace as "one of the true gentlemen of Irish politics".
"I am very proud of the fact that not only did I serve alongside Dan Wallace in Cork North Central but that I got to call him a friend," he said.
"He really was one of the gentlemen of Irish politics - he was incredibly generous with his time, not just for colleagues and constituents but also for people from other political parties."
Lord Mayor of Cork Dan Boyle also spoke of his "great sadness" at the passing of Mr Wallace.
"Danny was instrumental in the development of our sister city relationship with San Francisco; a relationship that has flourished for over 40 years. My condolences to Danny's wife Ethel, his children Damien, Fiona, Kieran, Nicola and Andrea," he said.
Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan said that Mr Wallace was a positive advocate for the city, "both in his time as a city councillor, as a Cork North Central TD and minister of state".
A book of condolences will open in Cork City Hall tomorrow.
