A Fine Gael TD has paid tribute to his “exceptional secretary and loyal friend” who died in a road crash in Co Longford.
Longford/Westmeath representative James Bannon said the death of 55-year-old Bernie Kenny was a tragic loss.
The mother-of-one sustained fatal injuries when she was struck by a car in Legan village in the early hours of yesterday.
The driver of the vehicle, a man in his 40s, was arrested at the scene.
He has been detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Longford garda station.
Mr Bannon said he was deeply saddened.
“Her tragic death has come as a terrible shock to all who knew and loved her,” he said
“Bernie worked with me for the last 12 years, since I first entered the Oireachtas. She was not only an extremely loyal employee, but she was also a great source of personal support.
“I have known Bernie all my life; we grew up in the same area, we went to school together and she was a very close personal friend to me over the years.
“I have not only lost an exceptional secretary but a very loyal friend.”
12.20 UPDATE: The man being questioned in connection with the fatal collision in Longford has been released without charge.
A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.