A Fianna Fáil TD has expressed his "shock and disappointment" at the news that the Longford News Newspaper is to close, along with its sister titles the Roscommon Champion and the Athlone Voice.

The Longford TD Peter Kelly said he wished to express sincere support to the staff at the paper, all of whom he knows personally.

"The Longford News has a long and proud history in Longford. It has documented the events of the county for almost 75 years and news of its closure has come as a shock to me personally and to the people of Longford.”

“It has been an important part of the fabric of Longford all my life and I am personally very saddened that this decision has been taken.”

The three newspapers are owned by Ulster Unionist peer Lord Kilclooney and will close with the loss of up to 30 jobs.

Staff at the three papers based in the Irish midlands - the Roscommon Champion, Longford News and Athlone Voice – were told of the plans on Tuesday afternoon.

The publications fall under the umbrella of the Alpha Newspaper Group, owned by the former Unionist MP John Taylor, now Lord Kilclooney, and his family.

Responding this morning, Mr Kelly went on to speak of his "honour" at knowing and dealing with all the owners of the paper from the original owner Vincent Gill to the former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds.

“I am particularly disappointed for the staff of the Longford News, who I know to be very loyal and dedicated staff,” he said.

Mr Kelly added: “I hope that the Alpha Group and Lord Kilclooney give the staff the priority they are entitled to at this time considering the service they have given the newspaper. I know they are due to meet with management shortly and I would very much hope and expect that they will be treated with the respect that they deserve.”

(DW/KMcA)