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.

FitzGerald's First Government, June 1981-March 1982

• An Taoiseach: Garret FitzGerald
• An Tánaiste: Michael O'Leary
• Minister for Finance: John Bruton
• Minister for Foreign Affairs: John Kelly
• Minister for Industry, Commerce & Tourism: John Kelly
• Minister for Justice: Jim Mitchell
• Minister for Labour: Liam Kavanagh
• Minister for the Public Service: Liam Kavanagh
• Minister for Agriculture: Alan Dukes
• Minister for Defence: James Tully
• Minister for Education: John Boland
• Minister for the Environment: Peter Barry
• Minister for Health: Eileen Desmond
• Minister for Social Welfare: Eileen Desmond
• Minister for Transport: Patrick Cooney
• Minister for Posts & Telegraphs: Patrick Cooney
• Minister for Energy: Michael O'Leary
• Minister for Fisheries & Forestry: Tom Fitzpatrick
• Minister for Gaeltacht: Paddy O'Toole

Changes

• August 21, 1981: The Department of Energy changes its title to the Department of Industry & Energy. On the same day the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism changes to the Department of Trade,Commerce and Tourism.
• October 21, 1981: Senator James Dooge joins the Cabinet as Minister for Foreign Affairs, taking over from John Kelly.