James Kingston

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin and LSE, Mr Kingston qualified as a barrister in 1992 and joined the DFA in 1995. He became legal adviser and a member of the DFA’s management board in 2009.

In a tweet, foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said Mr Kingston’s passing was “heartbreaking”, adding: “He was such an intelligent person, full of integrity and decency. His legal brain was never wrong. But his kindness & eagerness to help made him special. Deep condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace James.”

In a statement, the DFA said: “The passing of such a brilliant, principled and compassionate individual and public servant is a huge loss to those who loved him, to this Department, and to public life. All our thoughts are with his partner, family and friends. Colleagues in the Department – past and present – will acutely feel his loss.”

The Department added: “He was highly respected across the civil service and in legal circles for his expertise on the EU and human rights law and for his leadership on Brexit, the Lisbon Treaty, the European Stability Mechanism and the International Criminal Court. He was also a gifted teacher and lectured in Trinity College in International and Human Rights Law.

“We have lost a colleague of great conviction, intellect and courage. We have also lost a thoroughly decent and thoughtful person. He will be deeply missed.”