Paddy Harte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paddy Harte
|
|
|---|---|
| Minister of State | |
| 1981–1982 | Posts and Telegraphs |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office June 1981 – June 1997 |
|
| Constituency | Donegal North-East |
| In office July 1977 – June 1981 |
|
| Constituency | Donegal |
| In office October 1961 – July 1977 |
|
| Constituency | Donegal North-East |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 July 1931 Lifford, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Died | 8 January 2018 (aged 86) Lifford, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
| Spouse |
Rosaleen Harte
(m. 1953) |
| Children | 9 |
| Occupation | Butcher |
Patrick Harte OBE (26 July 1931 – 8 January 2018) was an important Irish politician. He was a member of the Fine Gael political party. He served for 36 years as a Teachta Dála (TD), which means he was a member of the Irish parliament. He represented the Donegal North-East area. He was born on July 26, 1931, and passed away on January 8, 2018.
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Paddy Harte's Early Life
Paddy Harte was born in 1931 in Lifford, a town in County Donegal, Ireland. He grew up there and later became a butcher. He married Rosaleen Harte in 1953, and they had nine children together. His son, Jimmy Harte, also became involved in politics. Jimmy was a Senator, which is another type of politician in Ireland.
Paddy Harte's Political Journey
Paddy Harte began his long political career in 1961. He was first elected as a TD in the 1961 Irish general election. This meant he became a member of the Dáil Éireann, the main house of the Irish parliament. He was very popular and was re-elected in eleven more general elections after that.
From 1981 to 1982, Paddy Harte held an important job. He was the Minister of State at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. This role was part of the government led by Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Garret FitzGerald.
In 1989, he tried to become a member of the European Parliament. This parliament makes laws for countries in Europe. However, he was not successful in that election. He continued to serve as a TD until 1997. In the 1997 Irish general election, he lost his seat in parliament. After this, he decided to retire from politics.
Making Peace After Politics
After retiring from politics, Paddy Harte worked on several important projects. One of his most notable achievements was helping to create the Island of Ireland Peace Park. He worked on this project with Glenn Barr. The park is located in Messines, Belgium.
This special park was officially opened in November 1998. Important leaders attended the ceremony, including President Mary McAleese, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and King Albert II of Belgium. The park was built to remember all the Irish soldiers who died during World War I. It stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Paddy Harte passed away on January 8, 2018, at the age of 86.
Awards and Recognition
Paddy Harte received several honors for his work. In October 2006, he was given an Honorary OBE. This award recognized his efforts in bringing different religious groups together.
In September 2007, he received an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the National University of Ireland. This special degree was given to him because of his significant contributions to politics and public life.
