The Fianna Fail party whip in Donegal, Cllr Ciaran Brogan, has led tributes to the late Bernard McGlinchey.
The political giant, who spent 50 years in local and national politics, passed away at his home in Blue Banks, Kilmacrennan last night aged 80 years.
Cllr Brogan said he doubts if Donegal or Ireland will see the likes of Bernard McGlinchey again.
“He was perhaps a one-off and I doubt if Donegal or Ireland will see the calibre of politician again.
“Everyone in Fianna Fail and beyond is saddened by the passing of Bernard because he touched so many people during his 50 years in politics.
“He did so much for the development of Donegal and its people that it will be almost impossible to measure.
“I think the people of Donegal will remember Bernard McGlinchey for all the positive things he did for the county and for the passion and compassion he had for people,” he said.
But it wasn’t just his own Fianna Fail party members who paid tribute to the former Senator.
Current Labour Party Senator Jimmy Harte said Mr McGlinchey was a huge help to him when he first entered politics.
“I would like to pay my sympathies to the the Mc Glinchey family on the death of Bernard.
” I served on Letterkenny Town Council and Donegal County Council with Bernard and like him I am serving in Seanad Eireann. He was an immense figure in Letterkenny and was foremost a Letterkenny man and a Fianna Fáil man second.
“I must say that as a young Councillor on Letterkenny Town Council he was helpful and a source of knowledge on local affairs.
“Whilst we did not always agree politically we were at one when it came to progressing the development of Letterkenny.
“He was a formidable politican on Donegal County Council and had a encyclopaedic knowledge of the workings in the council.
“I always had an admiration for Bernard as he was a successful businessman and a tough political animal.
He will be missed by Kathleen and his family. May He Rest In Peace,” said Senator Harte.
Another local councillor who often crossed swords with Mr McGlinchey during his time on Letterkenny Urban District Council was former Independent Councillor PJ Blake.
Again he said they didn’t always agree but never fell out for long.
“He had his own ideas and always had conviction which he followed through on. That’s what made him a great politician.
“Of course we fell out but we always had the good of Letterkenny at heart and that’s what he will be remembered for – all the good things he did and was involved in” he said.
Dr James McDaid said he cannot begin to pay tribute to the huge contribution made by Mr McGlinchey to Donegal life.
“He was the most influential person along with Noel McGinley to get me into politics.
“I was on duty at Nowdoc and happened to be on when he died. I met the family and I would like to express my sympathy to them.
“He was an icon in Donegal politics and was here long before I was here.
“You didn’t want to be opposite sides. We did have a bit of a split but I always maintain that politics is not worth losing friends over.
“He was very generous to me and to neighbours and a lot of people didn’t see that side of him.
“I would call out to see him and he was getting weaker and the handshake was weaker but I was still surprised when he passed away,” he said.
Pat The Cope Gallagher, MEP, said he had known the late Bernard McGlinchey for a long time – even before politics.
He said everyone turned to Bernard McGlinchey for advice.
“His word was his bond and that is the one thing I will remember about Bernard McGlinchey.
“I think he will be best-remmebered to the contribution he made to the health service. He was totally opposed to the centralisation of the health service and I think he has now been proven right,” he said.