Frank Aiken

Frank Aiken (February 13, 1898 - May 18, 1983) was a senior Irish politician. He was a founding-member of Fianna Fáil and was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1923 and at each subsequent election until 1973. Aiken served as Minister for Defence (1932-1939), Minister for Co-Ordination of Defensive Measures (1943-1945), Minister for Finance (1945-1948) and Minister for External Affairs (1951-1954 & 1957-1969). He also served as Minister for Finance and Minister for Lands & Fisheries. Aiken served as Tánaiste of Ireland from 1965 until 1969.

Refused presidency of Ireland

After his retirement, outgoing President of Ireland, Eamon de Valera, sought to convince Aiken, one of his closest friends, to run for Fianna Fáil in the 1973 general election. However Aiken refused all requests to run and the party finally selected Erskine Hamilton Childers to be its candidate. Childers won the election.

Related Topics:
President of Ireland - Eamon de Valera - Fianna Fáil - 1973 general election - Erskine Hamilton Childers

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