Tributes paid locally following passing of Martin Manseragh

Local tibute have been paid to the man remembered as a key player in shaping government policy on Northern Ireland.

Former Fianna Fail minister of state Martin Mansergh has died aged 78.

He served as a Senator from 2002 to 2007 and as a TD for Tipperary South from 2007 to 2011.

He was a Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.

Local TD Brendan Smith worked closely with him for many years and is among those paying tribute to Mr. Mansergh.

He says he was crucial to shaping Government policy on Northern Ireland and to the peace process.