FORMER Donegal TD Paddy Harte was last night described as a politician who left a "lasting peace process legacy" following his death aged 86.
The Fine Gael stalwart from Raphoe passed away yesterday morning.
He was first elected to Donegal County Council in 1960 and to the Dáil as TD for Donegal North East the following year. He served as Minister of State for more than 30 years until 1997 as well as spokesman on Northern Ireland, working for peace and reconciliation during the Troubles.
Mr Harte received the European of the Year award in 1998 for his work in developing a Peace Park at Messines in Flanders, which commemorated Irish people who died during World War I.
Paying tribute last night, former taoiseach John Bruton described him as a man who "quickly earned a reputation as an original, independent minded, individual who thought for himself about the political questions of the day".
"He was a resolute opponent of republican political violence," he told RTÉ.
"Working with Glenn Barr, he sought reconciliation between nationalists and unionists on the island, notably through the joint commemoration of the sacrifices both communities made during the First World War.
"This was often a lonely path for him to follow, and he showed great physical and moral courage."
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he was "deeply saddened" to hear about Mr Harte's death.
"A proud Donegal man who always put the national interest first," he said.
"One of Ireland's early movers in the vital task of reconciliation."
Fine Gael minister Joe McHugh said: "I went into politics after Paddy but was acutely aware when I entered Dáil Eireann of his work before me for the people of Co Donegal.
"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."
Mr Harte is survived by his wife Rosaleen and nine children, including son Jimmy, a former senator.
