David Byrne (politician)

David Byrne (Born April 6, 1947) is an Irish barrister and former EU Commissioner.

Related Topics:
April 6 - 1947 - Irish - EU Commissioner

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Byrne was educated at Dominican College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, University College Dublin and King?s Inns Dublin. He was called to the Bar in 1970 and practised law in the Irish and European Courts. During his student days in Dublin, he founded the Free Legal Advice Centre, a student run organisation providing legal aid to citizens in association with the legal profession.

Related Topics:
University College Dublin - King?s Inns Dublin

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In 1997 he became Attorney-General to the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrat coalition government. As one of the negotiators of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, he drafted and oversaw the major constitutional amendments required by that agreement, which were approved by Referendum in May 1998. Mr Byrne also advised on the constitutional amendments necessary for Ireland's ratification of the Amsterdam Treaty.

Related Topics:
Attorney-General - Fianna Fáil - Progressive Democrat - Good Friday Agreement - Amsterdam Treaty

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He was nominated to the European Commission in 1999, serving as Commissioner with responsibility for Health & Consumer Protection. He continued in that role until replaced as Ireland's Commissioner by Charlie McCreevy in 2004.

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