Background
Butler was born in Waterford in 1922, the son of the trade unionist John Butler, who later served as a Labour Party Deputy and Senator.
Butler was born in Waterford in 1922, the son of the trade unionist John Butler, who later served as a Labour Party Deputy and Senator.
He was a senator from 1969 to 1982. He moved to County Tipperary to become an assistant manager of Mitchelstown Creamery, and lived in Cahir, where he became active in a number of local organisations, including Macra na Feirme, and the Cahir Cr Union. Butler was elected in 1969 to the 12th Seanad, on the Agricultural Panel, and was re-elect to the next three Seanads until he stood down at 1983 election to the 17th Seanad.
He married Eileen Sampson, whose brother was a member of Tipperary County Council, and became involved in the local Fine Gael party, using his business experience to help resolve the local party"s financial difficulties.