Jim O'Keeffe

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jim O'Keeffe (born March 31, 1941) is an Irish Fine Gael politician. He is a Teachta Dála (TD) for Cork South West and is currently the Fine Gael Spokesperson for Justice & Law Reform.

Jim O'Keeffe was born in Skibbereen, County Cork. He was educated at St. Fachtna's High School, Skibbereen, University College Cork, University College Dublin and the Incorporated Law School of the Incorporated Law Society. He practised as a solicitor before entering public office. O'Keeffe was first elected to Dáil Éireann in the 1977 general election as a Fine Gael TD for Cork South-West and has retained his seat ever since.

During his political career O'Keeffe has served as Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Public Service. He has held numerous Opposition Front Bench portfolios including Foreign Affairs, Social, Community & Family Affairs, Social Welfare, Agriculture and Health.

In 1996–1997 he was the first chair of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution.

Preceded by: John O'Sullivan (Fine Gael)	Fine Gael Teachta Dála for Cork South West 1977–	Succeeded by: Current Incumbent
Preceded by: Newly created office	Minister of State (with special responsibility for Overseas Development) 1981–1982	Succeeded by: Office abolished
	Minister of State (with special responsibility for Overseas Development) 1982–1986	Succeeded by: George Birmingham
	Minister of State at the Department of the Public Service 1986–1987	Succeeded by: Office abolished
Preceded by: Gay Mitchell	Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs 2000–2002	Succeeded by: Gay Mitchell