Former Labour Party Senator and National Organiser Jack Harte has died.

Harte was a former trade union official who entered politics when he was elecrted to the 12th Seanad, in 1973.

He would serve in the upper house for seven terms before retirement in 1992.

Tanaiste Joan Burton says she was saddened to hear of the death. In a statement released this evening she described Mr Harte as a committed campaigner for social justice and an energetic public representative for two decades.

“I was saddened to hear of the death of former Labour Party Senator and National Organiser, Jack Harte,” Ms Burton said.

“Jack led a very full life, serving with distinction as a member of the British Army in Malta and the Middle East during World War II. He was never short of a story or two from that period of his life!,” she added.

“He was a committed campaigner for social justice and an energetic public representative for two decades. His loyalty to his Party was an example to all. Jack remained a Labour activist long after his retirement and remained a member of the Party, until his death.

“Without doubt, he will be missed by many people both locally and in the wider Labour movement.”

Harte is survived by his wife Myra, and children Tom, Imelda, Rita and Vivienne