Former Cork Minister dies

Former Cork Fianna Fáil TD and Minister Gene Fitzgerald has died at the age of 75.

He was first elected to the Dáil in 1972 and held a number of ministerial portfolios including finance.

He also served two terms as a Fianna Fáil member of the European Parliament before retiring from politics in 1994.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has described him as a true gentleman of Irish politics.

While the Minister for Enterprise Michael Martin paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald's support of the social partnership model which played a central role to Ireland's economic success.

He is survived by his wife Noreen and five children.