Former Labour TD Joe Sherlock dies

The death has taken place of former Cork East TD for the Labour Party, Joe Sherlock.

He was 71.

A former Irish Sugar worker and Siptu official, Mr Shelock was married with three children.

Mr Sherlock was born in Kildorrey, Co Cork and was elected to Mallow Urban District Council as a Sinn Féin representative in 1967 and to Cork County Council in 1974.

He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1981 as a member of the Workers' Party. He lost his seat in 1982 but was re-elected in 1987, holding his seat until 1992.

He failed to be elected in 1992 as a Democratic Left candidate.

He was elected to Seanad Éireann in 1993 as a Labour Party member, serving until 1997.

Mr Sherlock was re-elected to the Dáil for the Labour Party in 2002. He stood down from his seat prior to last May's General Election. His son Seán was elected to succeed him.

Newly-appointed Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said today he was "shocked and saddened" by the death of Mr Sherlock, who he described as "a warm friend and a wonderful colleague".

"He was an outstanding public representative whose dedication and commitment to the people he represented was an inspiration to us all," Mr Gilmore said.