Sadness at death of Westmeath TD

Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden has died.

The popular deputy lost her battle with motor neurone disease this afternoon.

Elected to the Dáil on the third attempt in 2011, she previously served on Athlone Town Council, Westmeath County Council and Westmeath VEC.

The mother-of-two was first elected as a councillor in 1999 and became a senator in 2007 prior to her elevation to the Dáil.

She confirmed her motor neurone diagnosis in December 2012.

Westmeath County Council cathaoirleach Peter Burke, who ran alongside Ms McFadden in the 2011 general election, said that he was "shocked and saddened to hear of the sad news of the death of my party colleague Nicky McFadden". 

"Nicky was committed to public service. I have lost a valued party colleague and running mate.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very difficult time.”