Tributes paid after death of long-serving Offaly Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State

The death has taken place on former Laois/ Offaly TD and Minister of State, Ger Connolly. Mr Connolly, in his late 80s, passed away on Thursday night.

Tributes have been paid by his former colleagues in Fianna Fail and from across the political divide.

Born in 1937), Mr Connolly, a farmer and auctioneer, was first elected to the Dail Eireann in the 1969 General Election and was re-elected on each subsequent election until his retirement in 1997.

When Charles Haughey became Taoiseach in 1979, he was appointed Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and was re-appointed to the same position during the Haughey Governments of 1982, 1987 to 1989, and 1989 to 1992.

He was not appointed a Minister of State under the succeeding Albert Reynolds government and retired in 1997.

He was the classic political animal, a traditional Fianna Fail politician in the old mould, a great vote getter who was passionate in serving his county and community.

A great orator, he didn't suffer fools gladly. He had the rare ability to command a crowd, to spell bind them with the power of his words and the party faithful loved hearing him in full flow at election rallies, graveside orations and in the Dail and council chambers.