The husband of former Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has died at the age of 48.
David Charlton, a garda, had been suffering from cancer and died at home in Donegal last night. He is survived by Ms Coughlan and their two children Meabh (15) and Cathal (13).
Mr Charlton lost a leg in a road accident several years ago when his car hit a patch of black ice.
He will be buried on Tuesday following a funeral mass in St Mary’s Church in Frosses.
The Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin expressed his deep sympathy to Ms Coughlan.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of David last night. David was the beloved husband of former Fianna Fáil TD and Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, who has been a friend and colleague for many years.Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," he said.