Former Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-Central, Seán Ardagh, has died.

He served in the constituency from 1997 to 2011.

He contested three general elections and was successful in all of them, topping the poll with a surplus on his final contest in 2007.

The 68-year-old died this morning. Party leader Micheál Martin has led tributes.

"Seán was one of the great gentlemen of Irish politics. He was hard working, courteous and committed. He was also enormously popular with his colleagues and, of course, his constituents", he said.

From 2002 to 2007, Mr Ardagh chaired the Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights.

In the 30th Dáil, he led the Committee on the Constitution.

"Seán's temperament, even-handed ways and constructive approach made him an ideal chair and problem solver", Mr Martin added.

His daughter Catherine Ardagh was elected to the Seanad earlier this year, and appointed as Fianna Fáil group leader in the upper house.

In 2010, Mr Ardagh faced a six month battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife Máire, sons Rory and Charlie and daughter Catherine.