Galway's Fianna Fáil have paid tribute to their late colleague, Séamus Brennan who passed away on Wednesday morning.

Mr Brennan, who was originally from Salthill, died at his home in Dundrum in south Dublin after a lengthy battle with illness.

"I was deeply saddened to hear the news this morning that Seamus had passed away," Deputy Fahey said yesterday.

"He had battled hard with an illness over the last number of months, but he maintained a presence at Leinster House until quite recently and was determined to the end in his political work."

"Séamus never forgot his Galway roots and the city, county, and indeed the entire West of Ireland remained forefront in his priorities through the years," he added.

Deputy Noel Treacy said he considered Mr Brennan to be a great friend and said that he would be sadly missed by all.

"I first met Séamus Brennan as a student in the 1970s, when I was a member of Ógra Fianna Fáil. He was a man of outstanding intelligence, tremendous ability and superb organisational skills

"Whether as General Secretary, a Dáil Deputy, or as a Minister, he brought a calmness and a positivity to all of the occasions and challenges and ultimate decisions that confronted him and Fianna Fáil, whether in government or in opposition," he said.

Minister for community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív TD said Séamus Brennan was a true Galway man.

"He never lost contact with Galway and his mother, who had such an influence on him, only died a few years ago. He was a kind, helpful, courteous person who was always willing to listen.

"He always joked that it was ironic that himself and Tom Kitt, who both hail from Galway, were TDs in Dublin South, whereas I, a Dubliner, am a TD in Galway West," said Minister Ó Cuív.

Local Fianna Fáil MEP Seán Ó Neachtain said Séamus Brennan's death represented a great loss for the people of Galway and for Ireland.

"He re-structured and modernised the Fianna Fáil party, he founded Ógra Fianna Fáil and he was integral to the organisation of all the general elections for the Fianna Fail party over the past 30 years. He was highly efficient and his organisational skills were excellent.

"He epitomised all that is good about Irish politics; a deep sense of commitment, a desire to help the less well off and the disadvantaged in our community and he was always very professional in the carrying out of his political functions," he said.