FORMER FIANNA FÁIL TD John Carty has died, the party has confirmed this afternoon.

The 63-year-old passed away last night. He was a TD for Mayo between 2002 and 2007 before serving on the agricultural panel in the Seanad between 2007 and 2011.

Prior to that he was a councillor for Claremorris and served on Mayo County Council between 1999 and 2002.

In a statement, party leader Micheál Martin said Carty “was one of life’s true gentlemen. He was great company, great fun and always had time for everyone”.

He added: “He was a diligent and dedicated public representative and took his job as a TD, a Senator and a Councillor very seriously.

“John was much loved across Co Mayo and within the agriculture and small business communities in particular. He will be sadly missed.”

The party’s health spokesperson also paid tribute to Carty in the Dáil this afternoon, and offered condolences to his wife Kathleen and his eight children.