Garret FitzGerald

Dr. Garret FitzGerald (Irish name: Gearóid MacGearailt) (born February 9, 1926) was the seventh Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, serving two terms in office; July 1981 to February 1982, and December 1982 to March 1987. FitzGerald was elected to Seanad Éireann in 1965 and was subsequently elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fine Gael Teachta Dála in 1969. He previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1973 to 1977. FitzGerald was the leader of Fine Gael between 1977 and 1987. He is also the son of Desmond FitzGerald who was the first Minister for External Affairs of the new Irish state. At present FitzGerald is the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland. He is credited as being the most successful leader of the modern Fine Gael party.

Early Political Life

It was in the early sixties that FitzGerald's mathematical abilities and quick intellect led him to be approached by Fianna Fáil leader Sean Lemass who invited him to join the party. FitzGerald declined, choosing instead to follow in his father's footsteps by joining the rival Fine Gael party where he was hugely influenced by the ideas of the TD, Declan Costello. FitzGerald was elected to Seanad Éireann in 1965 and soon built up his political profile. His profile was enhanced further because it was at this time that he became a regular commentator on economic affairs in the Irish, as well as the English media. FitzGerald was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1969, the same year he obtained his PhD for a thesis later published under the title "Planning in Ireland." He became an important figure almost immediately in the parliamentary party and his liberal ideas were seen as a counterweight to the conservative leader, Liam Cosgrave. FitzGerald was soon appointed Fine Gael Spokesperson on Finance, one of the most senior positions in the party.

Related Topics:
Fianna Fáil - Sean Lemass - Fine Gael - TD - Declan Costello - Seanad Éireann - 1965 - Dáil Éireann - 1969 - Liam Cosgrave

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