Taoiseach and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil Micheál Martin TD has said he is deeply saddened to learn of the death of party colleague Cllr James Tobin.
"I have learned today with deep sadness of the death of our party stalwart, and my good friend, Cllr James Tobin. James was a native of Knockanore, Co. Waterford, a place he loved. He was a highly respected councillor, representing the Lismore LEA since he was first elected in 1999. As a sign of his deep commitment to his place and its people, and their trust in him, James was re-elected at every election since 1999. James was a proud member of Shamrocks GAA Club and was also a former Chairman of Waterford GAA County Board.
"Just last week, James was elected Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Council. James had the honour of being the first elected Mayor of the newly amalgamated Waterford City and County Council in 2014, a significant moment in James’s life that will be recorded in the history books.
"James was the consummate public representative, a man who loved what he did and who did it for the right reasons. He cared deeply and passionately about the people he represented and worked tirelessly to improve their lives and their community. His is a lasting legacy of highly effective representation and skilled leadership.
"I always enjoyed meeting and speaking with James. His enthusiasm was infectious and his wisdom and wit always left a lasting impression. His long and distinguished service to his community, county and Party is one that inspires and is a model for others to follow.
"Today, in remembering James, we also remember his late wife Anne who was his rock and best friend and who he missed greatly. On behalf of all in Fianna Fáil, and on my own behalf, I offer my deepest condolences to James's family, his daughters Mairéad and Aine, sons Micheál, Seán, Séamus and Pádraig and the wider Tobin family. I also extend my condolences to his community who have lost a true champion. May he rest in peace."
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