John Boland

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This article is about the Irish politician. For the author, see John Boland (author).

John J. Boland (Irish: Seán Ó Beoláin; November 30, 1944–August 14, 2000) was a senior Irish Fine Gael politician.

John Boland was born in Dublin in 1944. He was educated at Synge Street Christian Brothers School and University College Dublin where he received a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Boland first became involved in politics in 1967 when he was elected to Dublin County Council. He served on that authority until 1981. Boland first ran for the Dáil at the 1969 general election, however, he was unsuccessful. He did secure election to Seanad Éireann, becoming the youngest ever Senator at the time.

Boland was eventually elected to Dáil Éireann on his third attempt in 1977 as a Fine Gael Teachta Dála. He retained his seat until his retirement from politics at the 1989 general election. Boland was immediately appointed to the Oppoosition front bench as spokesperson on Health. He later served as spokesperson on the Environment. In 1981 Fine Gael formed a government with the Labour Party, with Boland becoming Minister for Education. He later served in a range of portfolios in Garret FitzGerald's second government.

John Boland died in Dublin on August 15, 2001.

[edit] Political career

Preceded by John P. Wilson	Minister for Education 1981-1982	Succeeded by Martin O'Donoghue
Preceded by Gene FitzGerald	Minister for the Public Service 1982-1986	Succeeded by Ruairí Quinn
Preceded by Liam Kavanagh	Minister for the Environment 1986-1987	Succeeded by Pádraig Flynn
Preceded by Barry Desmond	Minister for Health 1987	Succeeded by Rory O'Hanlon