The former Fianna Fail TD and parliamentary secretary, Mr Paudge Brennan, has died aged 76. He served in the Dail for 35 years and was Parliamentary Secretary to Mr Kevin Boland when he was Minster for Local Government.
He left Fianna Fail to support Mr Boland in establishing Aontacht Eireann but subsequently rejoined Fianna Fail, serving as a TD until 1987 when he retired.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday extended his sympathy to Mr Brennan's family, saying he was a man of "deep principle and strong beliefs." He said he "had given outstanding public service to his country and to Co Wicklow in particular."