Congress General Secretary David Begg has paid tribute to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who died yesterday in Caracas, saying he had made an enormous and lasting contribution to the lives of millions of Venezuelans.
"On behalf of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, I wish to extend my sympathy and condolences to the family of President Chavez on their loss," Mr Begg said.
'that loss will be felt keenly both in Venezuela and in wider Latin America.
"During his 14 years in office – despite coup plots and campaigns of destabilisation - President Chavez virtually transformed Venezuelan society, lifting millions out of poverty and providing free education and healthcare to huge numbers of people who had never before seen the benefits of either.
"He has left an enduring legacy in Venezuela and one which will reverberate across Latin America for many years to come."
