Former Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae is being remembered this morning, after he passed away yesterday.

The former South Kerry TD served in the Dáil for 14 years and retired in 2011.

He passed away at the age of 83 in Kerry General Hospital, surrounded by his family, following an illness.

Traditionally a Fianna Fáil man, serving as councillor and election organiser for close to three decades, he chose to break from the party in 1997, when he failed in his bid to get a party nomination to stand for for a Dáil seat.

He chose to stand as an Independent, won the seat and held it for the next 14 years.

During that time his vote would prove a weighted bargaining chip for his constituency, securing funding for a range of projects - from roads to schools and agricultural assistance programmes - from governments looking for his backing in the Dáil.

Along with his trademark cap, his colourful speeches marked him out amongst his colleagues in the Dáil.

The Mayor of Kerry John Brassil has been paying tribute to his life and career.

The Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has also expressed his condolences to the Healy-Rae family.

Mr Martin said: "I knew Jackie very well and was always very fond of him. He was a unique politician and he captured the imagination of the people of Kerry and across Ireland with his story telling and his sheer determination to improve services in South Kerry."

"Jackie always had a great sense of humour and very dry wit and he never forgot where he came from. He was also very diligent and hard working. I know his close knit family will be devastated with their loss. On behalf of myself and the entire national Fianna Fáil organisation I want to express my deepest sympathy to his family at this very sad time."

Mr Martin also said that Mr Healy-Rae will be remembered for his linguistic skills.

While Sinn Féin TD for North Kerry, Martin Ferris, expressed sympathy to his family and many friends in the county.

Mr Ferris said: "He was a staunch representative of South Kerry and I send my sympathies at his death to his family and friends in the county and all over Ireland."

"The Healy Rae political dynasty, with the election of his grandson to council, spans three generations. He will be sadly missed in the political and social life of the area where he served for decades," he added.

And Labour senator for Kerry South, Marie Moloney, added: "I knew Jackie on a personal level and in my dealings with him I always found him to be friendly and courteous."

"Jackie was a respected icon of Irish politics and enjoyed a long history of public service to the people of Kerry."

"His commitment and dedication to our local community will never be forgotten and I have no doubt his passion for Kerry will live on through his family, several of whom have proudly followed in Jackie’s footsteps."

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Healy-Rae family at this time."