Tom Hartley (politician)

Tom Hartley is an Irish republican politician from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Hartley was a prominent figure within Sinn Féin for many years, serving as a councillor on Belfast City Council, representing the Lower Falls ward. He was the Lord Mayor of Belfast from 2008 to 2009, the first Sinn Féin Lord Mayor since 1923.

During the Troubles, Hartley was imprisoned for IRA-related activities. He has been involved in community development projects in West Belfast for several decades.

Hartley is also a well-known author, publishing several books focusing on the history of Irish republicanism and the Troubles, often drawing upon oral histories and personal accounts. He has played a key role in documenting and preserving the experiences of republican activists and communities.