Tributes are being paid to Donegal Fianna Fáil councillor Manus Kelly.
The motor racing champion was killed during a crash on stage 15 of Sunday's Donegal International Rally.
The 41-year-old father of five put his name forward for the local elections in Letterkenny last month.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, said: "I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Manus Kelly who was tragically killed in [Sunday's] Donegal rally competition.
"Manus was a great ambassador for Irish motor sport and had a promising role in local politics. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him."
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin offered his sincere condolences, and those of the party, to Manus's wife Bernie, his young children, his parents Jacqueline and Donal and his eight siblings.
He said: "As three-time consecutive and reigning champion of the Donegal International Rally, Manus's racing talent was limitless.
"He was widely respected and loved by all of the rally community here in Ireland".
"Manus had just embarked on a promising career in local politics having recently been elected to Donegal County Council representing the Fianna Fáil party.
"It was obvious throughout his recent election campaign that he was passionate and entirely committed to serving the people of the Letterkenny electoral area which he cherished."
"Manus made a huge contribution to his community. As a self-employed businessman, he employed 60 people in Letterkenny.
"He was an active fundraiser and advocate for the Letterkenny University Hospital.
"He had great commitment to the GAA and managed his local club, Glenswilly to Junior B success in 2016
"He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all those closest to him."
Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn described his death as a "devastating loss for his family, friends, and all who knew him".
He said: "The dedication and professionalism he displayed as a top rally driver was extended to his business that employs dozens of local people. And recently, he was elected as a county councillor for the Letterkenny electoral area.
"On behalf of the Sinn Féin party in Donegal, I extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and the Fianna Fáil party in Donegal. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this terribly sad time."
Donegal Motor Club and Motorsport Ireland also extended their sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Kelly, who was a three-time winner of the rally.
