Statement from President Higgins on the death of Thomas Hardiman
Date: Sun 3rd May, 2020 | 23:05
“I have learned with sadness of the death of Thomas Hardiman, former Director General of RTÉ and member of the Royal Irish Academy.
He oversaw significant developments at RTÉ and it was his support that made the establishment of Radió Na Gaeltachta possible. He played a pivotal role in the National Institutes for Technological Education gaining university status.
I recall with fondness my meetings with Thomas Hardiman, including discussions in the context of his work on strengthening Irish relations with Asia, and Japan in particular.
Thomas Hardiman has left a legacy in so many areas of Irish public life.
He brought his leadership and vision to many sectors and issues, overseeing initiatives in a wide variety of areas, including as Chairman of the National Board for Science and Technology, chairman of the Irish Institute for European Affairs in Louvain, President of the Confederation of Irish Industry, the Marketing Institute of Ireland and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
To his wife Rosaleen, their children and grandchildren and the members of their extended family, Sabina and I send our deepest condolences.”