Gardai say a murder inquiry is now underway following the violent deaths of two brothers in Castlebar.

A 26-year-old suspect is still being questioned.

It is understood the two men, aged 68 and 70, suffered violent deaths at their home A home help assistant who looked after the men alerted Gardai at around 7am yesterday morning.

The 26-year-old was arrested yesterday.

Fine Gael Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Castlebar Ger Deere says Jack and Tom Blaine were well known to Taoiseach Enda Kenny:

"I work in the Taoiseach's constituency office, which is just 4 doors away from Jack & Tom's home - so I would have known them quite well. The Taoiseach were very friendly with them over the years. The Taoiseach is in the street for over 30 years, and the Blaines are here that length - and they'd be quite well known to the Taoiseach and indeed to everyone around Castlebar. They were part of the streetscape of Castlebar."

Former Mayor and town councillor of Castlebar is Michael Kilcoyne. He says it is unprecedented that this could happen just yards from Mr. Kenny's office. He spoke to Breakfast here on Newstalk about reaction in the town.

The Taoiseach has described the deaths as "an act of savagery". Enda Kenny says he has spoken to Gardai.

Enda Kenny, who is from Castlebar, said the brothers were well liked and never harmed anyone.