Tánaiste leads tributes following death of Labour Party senator Jack Harte

Tánaiste and Labour Party leader Joan Burton has led tributes to former Labour senator Jack Harte, who has died. Mr Harte was a former trade union official who entered politics when he was elected to the 12th Seanad in 1973. He served in the upper house for seven terms, retiring in 1992.

Ms Burton said Mr Harte, who was also his party’s national organiser, was a committed campaigner for social justice and an energetic public representative for two decades.

She noted that he had led a very full life, serving with distinction as a member of the British army in Malta and the Middle East during the second World War.

She said she was “lucky enough to know Jack well and had the privilege to count him among my friends”. Ms Burton also said her thoughts “first and foremost are with his wife Myra, children Tom, Imelda, Rita and Vivienne, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren”.

Eric Byrne TD said he was “saddened to hear earlier this afternoon of the death of my former constituency colleague and comrade”. He added: “Jack was a tireless advocate for working people.”

Mr Harte’s funeral Mass will take place tomorrow at 11am at St Nicholas of Myra, Francis Street, Dublin 8.