Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When Paddy Harte spoke here, he spoke with both passion and commitment. He was always known in this House for his good counsel and advice. He was one for reaching out to others to advance different causes, not only in Leinster House but in practical ways and on many different occasions.

Paddy Harte, in both politics and private life, will be remembered for highlighting the importance of co-existence. He grew up and lived by the Border during the difficult years but he reached out. He was reaching out to unionists in Northern Ireland long before it became popular to do so. He took many risks over the years and promoted peace on the island of Ireland. As many have said, this was demonstrated by the opening of Island of Ireland Peace Park at Messines. He did not just turn up on the famous day when it was opened by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, the Queen of England and the King of Belgium. He had been working on that project for years prior to the opening day. He initiated FÁS schemes through which people went out to Messines to build that monument. I was very honoured to be there as well on that famous day.

I must acknowledge Paddy Harte on a personal level, on my own behalf and that of my wife and her sister, whom he visited on many occasions over the years. That may not have been popular either. No one can say a bad word about the Harte family or Paddy Harte in my house or my wife's house. We will never, ever forget him. He went on radio one day and defended us when others thought it would be difficult to defend us. He said that he was not defending the indefensible, but defending the defensible. I was ever so grateful to him for that.

Paddy Harte leaves behind him a legacy that will stand the test of time and that will be favourably recorded when history is written. He always believed in sharing and had a great understanding of our joint heritage and history, which is as it should be.

He leaves a legacy of which Rosaleen, his family, his extended family and his grandchildren will be proud in the years to come.

Ó thaobh Monica Barnes d'oibrigh mé anseo léi chomh maith agus is cuimhin liom bean a d'oibrigh go dian agus go dícheall do chearta ban. Gúim gach rath Dé ar an mbeirt acu agus ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha uaisle, dílse.

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