One of the great titans of Donegal politics and former Fine Gael TD and former Minister of State, Paddy Harte Snr has died.

He excelled at a time in Donegal politics when talk at the kitchen table was firmly rooted in the politics of the day.

Fine Gael Chief Whip and Minister Joe McHugh has expressed his sympathy to the family , who served as Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East from 1961 until 1997.
Born in 1931 the late Paddy Harte was was first elected to the 17th Dáil at the 1961 general election, and re-elected at eleven further general elections. In the 22nd Dáil, from 1981 to 1982, he was Minister of State at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs in Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald's government.

He lost his seat at the 1997 general election to then Independent Fianna Fáil candidate Harry Blaney. He also unsuccessfully contested the 1997 elections to Seanad Éireann on the Industrial and Commercial Panel.

He later retired from politics, but was known for his cross community work and acknowledging the thousands of Irishmen from the Republic of Ireland who had fought and died in WW1.

He has been involved in a number of projects, including the Messines Island of Ireland Peace Park in West Flanders in Belgium,along with Glen Barr. It was opened in 1998 by President Mary McAleese, Queen Elizabeth II and King Albert II of the Belgians to commemorate all Irishmen who died in World War I.

He was instrumental in the publication of a book of Donegal men who died in WW1.

The historic photograph, above, was taken at the Patrick MacGill Summer School in Glenties, in 2010, with some heavy hitters, assembled by Joe Mulholland, From left, the late Dr. Garrett Fitzgerald, former Taoiseach; the late Martin Mc Guinness, Deputy First Minister NI, and Paddy Harte, who passed away today. Also pictured behind them is the late Brian Friel, playright. Photo: Michael O Donnell.

Minister McHugh said Mr Harte had left a lasting peace process legacy through his cross-community and cross-Border work.
"I went into politics after Paddy but was acutely aware when I entered Dáil Eireann of his work before me for the people of County Donegal," said Minister McHugh.
"He also did incredible work to build bridges on this island during many dark days for our people and his lasting legacy will be the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Flanders, Belgium, which was officially opened by President McAleese in 1998.
"I want to express my deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this time. Go ndéana Dia trócaire air".