Tributes have been paid to former Fianna Fáil minister Patrick 'Paddy' Lalor, who has died at the age of 90.
Born in July 1926, Mr Lalor served as a TD for Laois/Offaly from 1961 to 1981.
During that period, he was a minister twice - minister for post and telegraphs from 1969-70 and minister for industry from 1970-73.
Mr Lalor was also chief whip in the 1977-79 government under late taoiseach Jack Lynch before being elected to the European Parliament.
He served as an MEP for Leinster until 1994.
In a statement, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said Mr Lalor "had a very distinguished career and represented the people of Laois/Offaly with great pride".
Mr Lalor also reached an All-Ireland hurling final with his native Laois in 1949.
He is survived by his four children.
His funeral will take place in Abbeyleix, Co Laois, on Monday.
