An Taoiseach honours ‘courageous and forward thinking’ work of the late Paddy Harte Snr

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, has expressed his condolences following the death of former Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Paddy Harte.

Mr Harte, who served as a TD in Donegal North East from 1961 to 1997, passed away on Monday aged 86.

Leo Varadkar TD said: “I was very sorry to learn of the death earlier today of Paddy Harte. Paddy will be fondly remembered by the people of Donegal, who he served proudly as a TD for more than three and a half decades.

“At very difficult and divisive times during the Troubles, Paddy was a steadfast opponent of violence and he consistently sought to reconcile the communities from both traditions on this island.

“His work on developing the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines was a courageous and forward thinking endeavour. Through this work, Paddy helped to lay the foundation stones of tolerance and respect which are the hallmark of the State’s approach to the Decade of Centenaries, including the commemoration of the 1916 Rising in 2016.

“I would like to express my condolences to Paddy’s family at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”