Longford's late Louis Belton hailed as a 'formidable grassroots campaigner' by former Taoiseach John Bruton

Former Taoiseach John Bruton has said he is deeply saddened to learn of the death of his old friend, Louis J Belton.

Mr Bruton described the Kenagh man as a 'formidable grassroots campaigner' and he expressed sympathy with the Belton family, and the people of Longford on their great loss.

Paying tribute, Mr Bruton said, "Coming from a family that has members in the Oireachtas almost since the foundation of the state, Louis brought his own distinctive style to politics.

Longford mourns death of former Fine Gael TD and Senator Louis J Belton

"His contributions at meetings of the Fine Gael parliamentary party were particularly noteworthy. He mixed self-deprecation humour, with the fruits of serious reflection on the political issues of the day."

Mr Bruton continued, "Louis was a formidable grassroots campaigner. One of my happiest political memories is of campaigning with him in Ardagh, in the 1997 general election, when, against the national trend, Louis regained his seat.

"I extend heartfelt sympathy to all the Belton family, and to the people of Longford on their great loss."

MAIN PHOTO Collage Captions: During his visit to Longford in April 1999, John Bruton met with members of the public in Longford Shopping Centre and they included Delia Kiernan and little Deirdre Kiernan Picture: Joe McDonagh

June 1989 general election: Newly elected Louis Belton celebrating  with Paddy Cooney Picture: Joe McDonagh