Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern has sent condolences to the family of Mr Godfrey Timmins, former Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, who died suddenly yesterday evening.
Mr Ahern said: "Godfrey was a true gentleman who earned the admiration of his peers in Leinster House as an earnest and hard-working constituency politician.
"Since he was first elected to public office as a councillor back in 1950, his gentle nature, good humour and, above all, dedication to the cause of the people in Wicklow ensured that he was consistently re-elected to both the county Ccouncil and to Dáil Éireann until he retired at the last election in 1997."
Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan TD said: "Godfrey enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a national parliamentarian."
"When I first entered the Dáil in 1981, Godfrey was one of the first people I met. His friendliness and helpfulness towards new deputies was well renowned."
Mr Timmins (1927-2001) is survived by his wife, Nora, three daughters and five sons including Billy Timmins TD - who succeeded his father as a Fine Gael TD in Wicklow.
First elected to the Dáil for Wicklow in 1968, Mr Timmins served continuously until 1987. He was re-elected in 1989 and 1992. He was Fine Gael Chief Whip in 1972-1973.