Todd Andrews
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Todd Andrews (October 6, 1901 - October 11, 1985) was an Irish public servant.
Christopher Stephen Andrews was born in Dublin, but soon acquired the nickname "Todd", because of his perceived resemblance to an English comic strip hero. He was educated by the Irish Christian Brothers, and at University College Dublin. He joined the Irish Volunteers at the age of fifteen and had an active role in the Irish Republican Army during the Anglo-Irish War. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1920, however he was released after ten days on hunger strike. He was interned at the Curragh in 1921 but he escaped. Andrews took the Republican side during the Irish Civil War. He was interned by the government of the Irish Free State until 1924. He then continued with his studies and graduated with a Commerce degree.
He got a job with the Irish Tourist Association and later with Electricity Supply Board. When the Fianna Fáil government came to power in 1932 Andrews was put in charge of turf development. He advocated the setting up of a properly managed commercial enterprise. In 1946 Bord na Móna was set up with Andrews as managing director. The new company flourished under Andrews' leadership.
In 1958 he was appointed chairman of the Irish transport company, Córas Iompair Éireann. Aping the widescale closures in Britain (the Beeching Axe), he presided over closure of significant sections of the rail network which by 1962 included
- the Bray to Harcourt St. Commuter line, now reopened as part of the LUAS
- the substantial railway network west of Cork city (Bandon,Bantry and Macroom and the associated branchlines to Clonakility, Skibereen and Kinsale)
- the West Clare Railway and the legacy tramway around the Hill of Howth inherited from the Great Northern Railway.
- Caheriveen, Kenmare & Kanturk lines
In 1966 Andrews was appointed chairman of the RTÉ authority. He resigned in 1970 when his son, David Andrews was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach. He was the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates and degrees from various universities. He published his autobiography in two volumes in 1979 and 1982, under the titles of Dublin Made Me and Man of No Property.
Andrews died in Dublin at the age of 84.
Two of his sons, Niall Andrews and David Andrews became TDs, with David Andrews becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Todd's grandson, Ryan Tubridy, is now a radio presenter and television chatshow host on RTÉ, while another grandson, Barry Andrews is a Fianna Fáil TD for Dún Laoghaire, while another grandson, Chris Andrews was an unsuccessful candidate in the 2002 general election.
