Thomas F. O'Higgins

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Dr. Thomas F. O'Higgins (died 1st November 1953) was a senior Irish politician. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in a 14 March 1929 by-election for Dublin North as a Cumann na nGaedhael TD, and in the 1932 general election for Laois-Offaly as a Fine Gael Deputy. From the 1948 election he represented Cork Borough.

He was the founder of the Army Comrades Association, commonly referred to as the Blueshirts, Ireland's quasi-fascist organisation. He became parliamentary leader of Fine Gael in 1944, while the former leader, Richard Mulcahy, was attempting to get elected to Seanad Éireann and retain his position.

In 1948 he joined the Cabinet of John A. Costello as Minister for Defence. His sons, Tom O'Higgins and Michael O'Higgins, were also members of the Dáil, the former serving in government and a candidate for President of Ireland. He was a brother of Kevin O'Higgins, the government minister assassinated in 1927.

Dr. O'Higgins died while still a TD in 1953.

Preceded by W.T. Cosgrave	Leader of the Opposition Jan 1944 - Jun 1944 (acting)	Succeeded by Richard Mulcahy
Preceded by Oscar Traynor	Minister for Defence 1948–1951	Succeeded by Seán MacEoin
Preceded by Daniel Morrissey	Minister for Industry & Commerce Mar 1951–Jun 1951	Succeeded by Seán F. Lemass