Paddy O'Toole

Paddy O'Toole (Irish Pádraig Ó Tuathail, born 15 January 1938) is an Irish Fine Gael politician and a former minister.

Biography

O'Toole initially completed a teaching degree and was then as a teacher in public schools ( National School ) worked.

He began his political career as a candidate of the Fine Gael in 1973 with a nomination for Member of the Senate ( Seanad Éireann ) by Taoiseach (Prime Minister ) Liam Cosgrave. In 1977 he was first elected as a deputy ( Teachta Dala ) of the lower house ( Dáil Éireann ). There he represented until his defeat in the 1987 general election the constituency of Mayo East.

Between June 1981 and March 1982, he was Minister of the Irish-speaking areas ( Gaeltacht ) in the first government of Prime Minister Garret FitzGerald. As FitzGerald again became Prime Minister on 14 December 1982 O'Toole was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Forestry. As part of a government reshuffle took place in February 1986 his appointment as Minister of Defence and Minister for the Gaeltacht again. These offices he held until the end of FitzGerald's term of office on 10 March 1987. Between January and March 1987, he was also Minister of Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry.

After retiring from the House because of its electoral defeat nominated him Taoiseach FitzGerald on February 20, 1987 Member of the Senate, thereby ensuring its parliamentary links. From the Senate, he left also on 10 March 1987.