Tributes to former Fine Gael deputy

Tributes were paid yesterday by leading politicians from all parties to the former Wicklow Fine Gael TD, Mr Godfrey Timmins (74), who died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening.

First elected to the Dail in 1968, he served until he lost his seat in the 1987 general election. He was re-elected in the subsequent election in 1989 and stayed until his retirement in 1997.

In the Dail, Mr Timmins served as Fine Gael chief whip, as chairman of the Dail's Committee of Public Accounts and as a member of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

He was the quintessential local politician. He served on Wicklow County Council constantly from 1950 until his retirement from public life. He and his wife, Nora, had eight children.

The leader of Fine Gael, Mr Michael Noonan, led warm tributes to a well-liked man, who had dispensed "quiet words of advice" to generations of new TDs.

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said he was "a true gentleman", adding: "His gentle nature, good humour and, above all, dedication to the cause of the people of Wicklow ensured he enjoyed a lengthy career in local and national politics."