Updated at 7.58

DEPUTY JAMES BANNON has expressed ‘deep sadness’ at the death of his secretary, who was struck by a car in the early hours of this morning.

Bernie Kenny (55) was hit by a car in Legan Village, Co Longford at around 1.30am. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man in his 40s, was arrested.

Kenny had worked as the Fine Gael TD’s secretary since Bannon entered the Oireacthas 12 years ago.

In a statement this evening, Bannon said:

I would like to express my sincere sympathies to Bernie’s family and friends. My thoughts are with her son Jamie, who was her pride and joy, and indeed all her family. Her tragic death has come as a terrible shock to all who knew and loved her.

Bernie worked with me for the last 12 years, since I first entered the Oireachtas. She was not only an extremely loyal employee, but she was also a great source of personal support.

I have known Bernie all my life; we grew up in the same area, we went to school together and she was a very close personal friend to me over the years.

I have not only lost an exceptional secretary but a very loyal friend.

Originally published 7.06pm

Background: Woman dies after being hit by car in Longford, male driver arrested >