The family of government minister Shane McEntee are preparing to bury Ireland’s latest suicide victim.
The nation is in shock after the 56-year-old father of three took his own life on Friday.
He took his dogs for a walk after breakfast on his Meath farm and never returned.
Friends and political associates have told the Irish Sun newspaper that the Fine Gael deputy felt under pressure after recent budget cuts and severe public criticism.
He was particularly upset by the manner in which callers on radio shows berated him recently.
As his wife Kathleen was being comforted by friends and family after the shock discovery, one Fine Gael TD complained of media bullying of the junior minister.
A family friend told the Irish Sun: “The McEntees are devastated by this. Shane took all the recent pressure to heart. People need to realise politicians are human as well as the rest of us.
“He took all the public criticism very hard, he took it personally.”
Recent comments by McEntee over controversial Budget cuts in the respite care grant brought criticism.
One fellow Fine Gael TD said: “There was an impression that Shane McEntee was under a lot of pressure recently.
“It was the usual types of pressures a lot of politicians are under but he was really feeling it.
“He received a right hammering lately on the radio - it was really unfair.
Then there was the heavy criticism about his respite care comments.”
The colleague added: “Parts of social media give a voice to nutcases who are full of anger and spit out vitriol.
“There is no filter - they give a platform to these people when often it’s just bile.
“I’m not sure this was the only reason in this case, but it seems like a certain amount of social media bullying and media bullying was a factor. He had no financial or personal problems.”
Irish Prime Minister and close friend Enda Kenny said he is devastated by McEntee’s death.
The Fine Gael leader said: “I am devastated at the sudden passing of Minister of State Shane McEntee.
“He brought great energy, diligence and enthusiasm to his role. On a personal level, Shane McEntee was a loyal friend and colleague.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.anglo-norman | Dec 24, 2012, 06:22 PM EST
The Irish in Ireland are too servile & cowardly to get off their knees. As Michael Davitt said Irish Catholics are moral cowards & drunken for any progress to be made in Ireland. That whole Island is a joke, the Irish of vall sorts prefer to fight & self-destruct rather than stand up for themselves. The ones with brains & ambition leave to better themselves. It will never change!!!
EamonnDublin | Dec 24, 2012, 09:01 AM EST
The politicians are using this tragedy to try to shut the people up whilst THEY ruin OUR country. The media is more or less colluding in this aim of silencing the people - it has been wall to wall coverage. To quote Big Jim Larkin, "the powerful are only powerful because we are on our knees - rise up off your knees". Éamonn, Dublin.
beattybond | Dec 23, 2012, 06:03 PM EST
It's not right to assume he was guilty of anything. He did his job and his very best in his life. RIP and thanks for your immense contribution!
seamus60 | Dec 23, 2012, 10:50 AM EST
Rest in peace. A sad time for any family to go through this.
Towngate | Dec 23, 2012, 09:14 AM EST
Patrick. Yadda Yadda ... but you left out the important bit: You conveniently fail to tell us what he did or said that got people so upset with him?
seanomelb | Dec 22, 2012, 04:48 PM EST
A tragic victim of failed government policies,may he rest in peace.
anglo-norman | Dec 22, 2012, 04:38 PM EST
RIP & condolences to his family...his guilt was too great.
Searlit | Dec 22, 2012, 01:42 PM EST
This is very sad, God Bless his family. It does seem that he was between a rock and a hard place. God help Enda Kenny find a way to take some of the burden off the Irish people, and off his fellow politicians.
solyeant | Dec 22, 2012, 01:34 PM EST
this is but a hecatomb and i truly feel sorry for his family and finsfolk I should have got to him before and i will always regret that he never had the opportunity to resolve the question of irish debt and took his decisions in full consience that they would hurt folk May the Great One guide over his family and freinds Another martyr for new reland
nicgearailt | Dec 22, 2012, 11:38 AM EST
When you reflect on the rogues that have been in politics and they never batted an eyelid,having rained down years of belt tightening on the country,across the board,this is as sad as it gets. This man had his best years ahead of him,and was not able to deflect the criticism,and recognise that you have to listen to thunder,and then analyse if it has any merit. He needed to leave,as it was too personal for him. If only he had hesitated...but that was not to be...Sad sad loss for his wife and family...Ireland will miss his likes...a politician with a conscience...rare indeed..he is with his Lord,and at peace we hope..
handsome68 | Dec 22, 2012, 10:42 AM EST
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. So don't do it. Sure, life is not easy, but working out the problem(s) is the making of us. As Sir William Wallace said, "Every man dies; not every man lives". (Am sure he meant women as well.) Try living in the very best sense of the term.
bob mcbride | Dec 22, 2012, 09:35 AM EST
I didn't agree with any of his decisions. However he did what he thought was right. You no doubt have to have thick skin as a politician when having to deal with the current financial fiasco. May the lord have mercy on him.
like2tweet | Dec 22, 2012, 08:24 AM EST
So sad, whatever was troubling him it should never come to this --may he rest in peace