Michael Keating (Irish politician)

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Michael Keating (born 29 September 1946) is a former Irish politician.

Contents 1 Early life 2 Political Activity 3 Minister of State 4 Progressive Democrats 5 Alleged fraud

[edit] Early life

Michael Keating was born in Dublin in 1946. He was educated at the Christian Brothers O'Connell School, University College Dublin and St. Patrick's College in Maynooth where he received a Bachelor of Arts. He worked as a secondary school teacher before becoming involved in politics.

[edit] Political Activity

He unsuccessfully contested the 1973 general election for Fine Gael but became a member of Dublin City Council in 1974. He subsequently became Lord Mayor of Dublin. He was successful on his second attempt to get elected to the Dáil in 1977, becoming Opposition spokesperson on Urban Affairs.

[edit] Minister of State

In 1981 Fine Gael came to power in a coalition government and Keating was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Education. His portfolio was youth and sport. He remained in that position until 1982. It was the only time that he held ministerial office.

[edit] Progressive Democrats

In 1986 Keating left Fine Gael to join the newly-formed Progressive Democrats and became Deputy Leader of the party. He won one of 14 seats for them in the 1987 general election. He retired from politics in 1989 to concentrate on his business interests.

[edit] Alleged fraud

An arrest warrant exists for Michael Keating in the United Kingdom for alleged VAT fraud offences and Mr Keating refuses to travel there. Irish legislation forbids extradition to the UK for alleged financial offences.