Tributes are flooding in for well known Dublin-based barrister Paul Anthony Dermott SC who has died following an illness.
A father to two young sons, Mr McDermott, 47, was a senior counsel and a frequent guest commentator on legal issues on TV and radio. He was also a hugely popular university lecturer.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan took to Twitter to pass on his condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened” and describing him as a “a very talented, popular lecturer and entertaining newspaper columnist”.
He added: ”He will be greatly missed by so many.”
RTE broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan posted on Twitter: "So shocking to hear this news about Paul Anthony.
"He was always such a kind, warm and giving man, with a brilliant legal mind. Thinking of his family and loved ones now."
Mr McDermott wrote a weekly column in the Sunday Times newspaper and often appeared on RTE television and radio shows.
TD for Dublin Bay South Jim O’Callaghan said that Mr McDermott’s death at such a young age was a tragedy and said his thoughts were with his wife and young children.
The Fianna Fail justice spokesman tweeted: “I’m very sorry to hear o the death of my colleague Paul Anthony McDermott.
“He was an outstanding barrister, an entertaining lecturer and an incisive commentator.
“His death at such a young age is a tragedy for everyone who knew him, but particularly his wife and young children."
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said “Ireland has lost a very fine person and outstanding intellect”.
The UCD Law Society meanwhile called Mr McDermott a “wonderful lecturer” as they tweeted their “sincere condolences to his family and friends”.
They added: “It saddens us here at UCD Law Society to learn of the death of Paul Anthony McDermott SC.
“One of ireland’s leading barristers, Paul Anthony was also a lecturer in UCD.
"A wonderful lecturer, Paul Anthony strived to install in his students above all else, a genuine love and enthusiasm for law and the Irish legal system.
“His absence leaves UCD and the Irish legal system a lesser place. We shall not see his like again.
“Ar dheis De go raibh a anam."
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties described him as a brilliant lawyer, writer and teacher.
The Office of the Press Ombudsman hailed the barrister as a compassionate lawyer, a witty newspaper columnist and a wise commentator.
RTÉ's Morning Ireland also paid tribute to him, saying he provided listeners with clear explanations of issues as diverse as bail laws, double jeopardy and tribunal confidentiality.
