Richie Ryan (politician)

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For other people with similar names, see Richie Ryan (disambiguation)

Richie Ryan (Irish: Risteárd Ó Riain; born February 27, 1929) is a former Irish Fine Gael politician.

Richie Ryan was born in Dublin in 1929. He was educated at Synge Street Christian Brothers School, University College Dublin and the Incorporated Law School of Ireland where he received a law degree.

Ryan first became involved in politics when he was elected to Dáil Éireann in a 1959 by-election as a Fine Gael TD for Dublin South West and retained his seat until he retired at the Feb 1982 General Election to concentrate on his European Parliament seat.

In opposition Ryan served as Fine Gael Spokesperson on Health & Social Welfare (1966-1970) and on Foreign Affairs & Northern Ireland (1970-1973).

In 1973 Fine Gael came to power and Ryan became Minister for Finance, an area where he had little experience. He presided over a tough four years in the National Coalition under Liam Cosgrave, during which time Ireland's foreign debt increased and the economy steadily worsened. He was mercilesly lampooned as "Richie Ruin" on the Irish satire show Hall's Pictorial Weekly. Following the 1977 general election Fine Gael were out of power, and Ryan once again became Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs.

Ryan also served as a Member of the European Parliament in 1973 and from 1977 to 1979, being appointed to Ireland's first delegation and third delegation. He was elected as an MEP in 1979, and re-elected in 1984. On being appointed to the European Court of Auditors in 1986 he resigned his seat and was succeeded by Chris O'Malley.

Preceded by: George Colley	Minister for Finance 1973–1977	Succeeded by: George Colley
	Minister for the Public Service 1973–1977

[edit] External links

• ElectionsIreland.org - Profile
• Oireachtas Members - Profile