Fine Gael's Jim Mitchell dies after long illness

Former Fine Gael deputy leader Jim Mitchell has died in Dublin after a long illness.

Mr Mitchell (56), who was suffering from cancer, had received a liver transplant at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, in September 2000.

He was highly respected among political circles, and tributes have been paid from across the parties this morning.

For 25 years [Jim Mitchell] served his country, his people and his party with unfailing courage, passion and integrity Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said he heard the news "with deep sadness". He said: "Jim Mitchell fought against the odds all his political life." He was a "formidable parliamentarian" whose successes were based on "unstinting hard work" for those who elected him. "He bore his long illness with extraordinary forebearance," Mr Ahern said.

The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said it was a sad day for the party, which had lost a "loyal and immensely talented" colleague. "But we have lost too a great friend and a good man," Mr Kenny said.

"Jim Mitchell was a conviction politician," the Mayo TD said. "For 25 years he served his country, his people and his party with unfailing courage, passion and integrity".

The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, described Mr Mitchell as a talented, hard-working and fearless politician.

Labour Party leader Mr Pat Rabbitte said he remembers Mr Mitcheall as a passionate politician who stood for the principles of democratic, accountable government.

Mr Rabbitte, who served with Mr Mitchell on the Public Accounts Committee, said he was a chairman of great drive and character, who performed wonders despite being in great pain from his illness.

The Labour TD for Dublin Central, Mr Joe Costello, said Mr Mitchell "was one of the finest parliamentarians of his generation" and "oneof thekindest and most sincere people in Irish politics."

Former taoiseach Mr Garret Fitzgerald, in whose Cabinets Mr Mitchell served, described him a dynamic minister and a fondly remembered friend. "He never pulled back from taking tough decisions," Mr Fitzgerald said. "His commitment to social justice was lifelong".

Green Party leader Mr Trevor Sargent TD said Mr Mitchell showed him much kindness when he first entered the Dáil. The senior politician "was always willing to lend a helping hand to new TDs," he noted.

He also played a leading role in transforming the way politics is viewed following his stewardship of the DIRT inquiry, Mr Sargent said.

Mr Mitchell received wide public acclaim in 1999 for his handling of the DIRT inquiry. He was the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee that laid down a template for future Dáil committees.

A career public representative, Mr Mitchell was first elected to Dublin City Council in 1974, securing his first Dáil seat in 1977. He was a long-serving TD for Dublin Central but lost his seat during his party's disastrous result in the General Election last May.

Mr Mitchell was a former lord mayor of Dublin and served as Minister in the Departments of Transport, Post and Telegraphs, Justice and Communications during Fine Gael-led Governments in the 1980s.

He ran for the leadership of Fine Gael last year but was narrowly defeated by Mr Michael Noonan, who appointed him deputy leader.

Mr Mitchell, from Inchicore, is survived by his wife Patsy, two sons and three daughters. His brother, Mr Gay Mitchell, is Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-Central.