Varadkar pays tribute to ex-Fine Gael TD who died in crash

The Taoiseach has led tributes to former Fine Gael TD John Connor after he died in a road collision in Co Roscommon.

Mr Connor, who also served as a party councillor and senator, died in a single-vehicle crash on Saturday afternoon.

The incident happened in the Frenchpark area at around 2pm.

The former politician, who was aged in his late 70s, had three decades of experience representing Roscommon.

He was first elected as a TD for Roscommon East Galway in 1981.

He lost his seat the following year but was nominated to the Seanad in 1983 by then Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald.

He regained his seat for Roscommon East Galway in 1989, holding it until 1992.

He was then elected for the Roscommon Longford constituency in 1992 and served as opposition spokesman on European Affairs. He lost his seat in 1997.

Mr Connor was then elected to the Seanad, where he remained until 2002.

In 1999, he was elected to Roscommon County Council and re-elected in 2004, finally retiring from public life in 2009.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar expressed his condolences.

Mr Varadkar said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” to hear of his death.

“John had an unwavering commitment to the people of his area and brought a considerable expertise to politics at local and national level,” he said.

“He had a keen intellect and was well versed in international affairs, but always had his finger on the pulse of local matters. He was very popular among his colleagues in Fine Gael and I know provided good counsel to a number of younger public representatives, who were grateful for his advice and time.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to John’s family, as well as the many friends he made throughout his life.”

Gardai have appealed to any witnesses to the crash to come forward.