Former senator Billy Lawless has died aged 73

Former senator and Irish-American businessman Billy Lawless has died in Chicago at the age of 73.

Mr Lawless moved to Chicago in 1998 and built a hugely successful restaurant business in the US. He was well known as a champion of the undocumented Irish.

In 2016, he was appointed as a senator by then taoiseach Enda Kenny, where he served one term.

Speaking on his death, Michael McDowell and Victor Boyhan said: "It is with great sadness that we learned earlier today of the death of our dear friend former Senator Billy Lawless.

"Billy was a member of our Seanad Independent Group from 2016 to 2020 where he served with distinction as part of our ten strong group of Independent members in Seanad Éireann.

"Billy was a tireless advocate for the diaspora and the undocumented Irish in the United States. He was a political force who made a difference in Irish and American politics over many decades, but above all, a husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed in Chicago, Galway and further afield.

"Former Senator Lawless greatly helped the cause of Irish immigrants and was made Freeman of Galway for these efforts. He was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by University of Galway.

"On behalf of the current and former Seanad Independent Group we remember Billy today and send our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Anne, children and grandchildren."

Speaking on the death of Mr Lawless, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "It is with the utmost sadness that I have learned of the death of former Senator, Billy Lawless.

"Billy Lawless was a gentleman to his core, he was a businessman at the top of his game, and he was a person who accepted a challenge from former Taoiseach Enda Kenny - to travel from Chicago to Leinster House to represent the Irish diaspora.

"He did his work with diligence and great pride; he was great company, and he was an extremely kind man.

"To his family and large circle of friends and colleagues, I am truly sorry for your loss.

"May he rest in peace."