The President, Taoiseach and Labour leader have led tributes to the Cork politician Toddy O'Sullivan, who died this morning at the age of 87.
He was a major political figure in Cork, and become its Lord Mayor in 1980 after standing in the 1979 by-election.
He won a seat in the Dáil two years later and went on to be a Minister of State.
Labour leader Alan Kelly credits him with the party's rise in Cork in the late 1970s.
He said Cork has "lost a true gentleman, and someone who always worked hard for his city".
RIP Toddy O’Sullivan. A @labour & Cork legend. Someone I’ve known, admired and respected since my time in @UCC in the the early 90’s. Ever since he’s always been a friend and confidant. May he RIP 🌹. My full statement here 👉 https://t.co/MUdITlu0HA pic.twitter.com/zh4aW4zriP
— Alan Kelly TD (@alankellylabour) December 12, 2021
Deputy Kelly added that Mr O'Sullivan was a "staunch trade unionist" who will "continue to be an inspiration to future generations of Labour activists in Cork".
Taoiseach Michéal Martin said he was deeply saddened to hear of Mr O'Sullivan's passing.
He said: "From my early days serving on Cork City Council in 1985, Toddy was a mentor and friend in politics. He understood the importance of a cross-party approach for the benefit of the people.
"In the Fianna Fáil and Labour government of the early 90s, we worked well together, and Toddy was a fierce advocate for working people and the poor.
"Whether in his capacity as city councillor, TD or Minister of State, he worked hard to advance the interests of the people of Cork and the country."
President Michael D Higgins, meanwhile, said Mr O'Sullivan "will be remembered as one of the most warm-hearted members of the Oireachtas".
He said: "Having had the privilege of being a colleague of his for decades, I can attest to that. He loved Cork in all its dimensions, be it history, politics, sport or personality.
"As a TD, as a Minister of State he made a fine contribution. He did so also as Lord Mayor of Cork – a personal highlight for him during a lifetime in local representation.
"However, his friends will remember him, as will I, for his warm humour, and a volatility fuelled from his sense of decency and needed reform.”
