Taoiseach leads tributes after death of former Cork TD and minister Bernard Allen

Educated at the North Monastery and UCC, Mr Allen was elected to Cork Corporation in 1979, retaining that position until 1995.

He was elected to Dáil Eireann in 1981 and would keep that seat until his retirement from politics in 2011.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the former Cork North Central TD.

"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Bernard Allen," Mr Harris said.

“Bernard was a pillar of his community, whose dedication and loyalty to the people he served were unmatched. His career as a TD, which began in 1981 and spanned over 30 years, was marked by an unwavering commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of his constituents."

Mr Allen served as Lord Mayor of Cork, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and Minister of State.

“Bernard was a man with endless reserves of wisdom and wit, who knew the perfect time to deploy the right amount of either. He was a beloved colleague in Fine Gael and beyond, a proud Corkman and a good friend," Mr Harris added.

“To his wife Marie, their children, Lorraine, Audrey and Deirdre, my deepest sympathy at this very difficult time."

Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who served with Mr Allen for many years on Cork City Council and in Dáil Éireann, said he was deeply saddened to learn of his passing.

“Bernard and I got on very well,” he said.

“We enjoyed the cut and thrust of local and national politics and worked together on a bipartisan level.

“He put the interests of Cork first, whether in the council or in the Dail during his 30 years as TD.

“A very popular Lord Mayor of Cork, Bernard was a tenacious chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and an effective Minister for Youth and Sport - a portfolio he loved.

“To his wife Marie and children Lorraine, Audrey and Deirdre, I offer my sincere condolences at this difficult time.”

Minister of State and TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke, also shared his condolences.

“With the very sad passing of Bernard Allen, Cork has lost a most accomplished public representative whose main focus and priority in all of his political career was to look after the interests of his constituents in Cork North Central. Bernard was a true advocate for all the people he represented," Mr Burke said.

“He was pivotal in the development of lasting and sustainable sporting infrastructure in Cork City and served on the board of Sport Ireland for many years.

“Additionally, he played an important role in the creation of Munster Technological University by chairing the committee charged with its creation.

“On a personal level this is an incredibly sad day for me. In all aspects of my political career Bernard was a great friend, astute advisor and wonderful mentor."