Former Donegal politician Paddy Harte Snr passes away



Former Donegal politician Paddy Harte has passed away.

The 86-year-old served as a Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East from 1961 until 1997.

Born in Lifford in 1931, Harte set up his own butchering businesses in Lifford and Raphoe before pursuing a life in politics.

He was elected to the Dail for Donegal North-East in 1961 and served until 1997.

Between 1981 and 1982, he was Minister of State at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs in Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald’s government.

He also served as a spokesman on Northern Ireland and is noted for his peace and reconciliation work during the Troubles.

Harte was honoured as Donegal Person of the Year in 1998.

His efforts to remember and recognise the Irish people who died during the First World War has created a lasting legacy through the Donegal Book of Honour.

He is survived by his wife Rosaleen, their nine children and extended family.



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