Former Fianna Fáil MEP and minister of state Niall Andrews has died aged 68.
Niall Andrews
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern this morning today expressed his "deep sympathy" to Mr Andrews's wife, Bernadette, and his three children - who include county councillor and general election candidate Chris Andrews - and to the wider Andrews family.
Mr Andrews, who was on the liberal wing of Fianna Fáil, was steeped in party tradition. His father, Todd, was a founder member of the party who fought in the civil war on the anti-treaty side.
His brother David is a former minister for foreign affairs and TD, and his nephew, Barry Andrews, is Fianna Fáil TD for Dún Laoghaire.
Mr Andrews was first elected to the Dáil in 1977 for Dublin South County (later Dublin South) and served as minister of state at the Department of the Environment in 1982. He was returned at each subsequent general election until he rescinded the candidacy before the 1987 election after being elected a Member of the European Parliament three years earlier. He retired in 2004.
He died in St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, overnight after a year-long illness.
Mr Ahern said: "Niall Andrews not only inherited a long and illustrious tradition of public service, he also enhanced it through his own contribution over 30 years.
"He had a passionate commitment to human rights around the world. He highlighted the cause of the oppressed and was a passionate advocate for those who had few if any advocates at all."
The Tánaiste Michael McDowell also paid tribute to the former MEP. "Niall Andrews represented Dublin South in Dáil Eireann, and Ireland in Europe, with distinction for many years. His genuine interest in issues such as Overseas Development Aid reflected his humanitarian nature," he said.
"Our thoughts are with his family, particularly his son Chris, and his many close friends at this sad time."
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said: "I was sad to learn of Niall Andrews' death after such a long illness. As a TD, Niall Andrews served the people of South Dublin with great vigour and compassion. As an MEP for 20 years, he performed with some skill and élan."
Green Party Leader Trevor Sargent extended his sympathies to Mr Andrews' family. "Mr Andrews will be remembered as a tireless politician who always fought for what he believed in. His work, especially in the area of overseas aid, will live on and his family and colleagues will be proud of the legacy he left behind," he said.
Meanwhile, Labour Party TD Michael D Higgins said he was deeply saddened by Mr Andrews' death.
"Niall showed great courage in his political career," he said.
"In the area of human rights he showed both innovation and courage and was a great companion."