Former Fianna Fáil TD for Meath Mr Colm Hilliard died suddenly early this morning. He was 65.
Mr Hilliard represented the Meath constituency from 1982 until his retirement at the last election in 1997.
He also served on Meath county council from 1979 and was also a former member of the Meath Committee of Agriculture.
He is survived by his wife, Margi, and four children.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern described Mr Hilliard as "a dedicated public representative whose life was all about helping his constituents." He said: "during his fifteen years as a member of the Dail and his many years as a member of Meath County Council he set an example of public service."
Dr Rory O’Hanlon TD, Chairman of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary party said Mr Hilliard's "sudden death comes as a blow to us all and will be a terrible loss to his wife Margaret, three sons and one daughter."
Dr O’Hanlon added: "Colm had a great interest in sport and was active in the GAA, his local golf club and was a great believer in the power of sport and its comradeship, a trait he brought into Leinster House in encouraging a sense of collegiality among politicians across all party lines."