David Andrews

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For the American actor, see David Andrews (actor)

David Andrews (born March 15, 1936) is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician and barrister.

Contents 1 Early life 2 Public Service 3 Family 4 Political career

[edit] Early life

Born in Dublin, David Andrews was educated at Colaiste Mhuire, Dublin, and at Cistercian College, Roscrea, before attending University College Dublin. He studied to become a barrister at King's Inns and was called to the Bar in 1962. Andrews hailed from a very politically minded family.

His father, Todd Andrews fought in the Anglo-Irish War and became a founder-member of Fianna Fáil, while his mother, Mary Coyle, was a member of Cumann na mBan.

[edit] Public Service

Andrews was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1965 as a Fianna Fáil deputy. From 1970 to 1973 he served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach with special responsibility as Chief Whip. Following four years in opposition Jack Lynch and Fianna Fáil were back in power in 1977, and Andrews was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. In the 1979 Fianna Fáil leadership contest Andrews supported George Colley, the favoured candidate of the existing leadership. However, Charles Haughey, in a very close vote, was elected leader and Taoiseach.

Andrews paid dearly for backing Colley in the leadership bid. He was confined to the backbenches during Haughey's thirteen-year period as leader. During this period he maintained his legal practice^[1] and campaigned for the Guildford Four, the Birmingham Six, and Brian Keenan (writer/hostage). He remained a vocal critic of Haughey during this period. After the Progressive Democrats were founded in 1985 Andrews was considered^{[citation needed]} a likely convert to the new party. In 1992 Albert Reynolds replaced Haughey as party leader and Taoiseach. Andrews was briefly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, vacating this position to Dick Spring, Tánaiste and Irish Labour Party leader, after a subsequent election. Andrews was then appointed Minister for Defence and the Marine. In 1997 subsequent to a general election, Fianna Fáil were back in coalation with the Progressive Democrats, with Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach. Andrews was first appointed Minister for Defence, subsequently, after the resignation of Ray Burke becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs.

His period as Foreign Minister was successful^{[citation needed]} regarding the Northern Ireland peace talks. In April 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was adopted by the people^{[citation needed]} of the Republic and Northern Ireland. In 1999, Ireland joined the Partnership for Peace project. Andrews retired as Minister for Foreign Affairs in January 2000. Subsequently, in May 2000, he was appointed to the non executive position as Chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society. He retired from Dáil Éireann at the 2002 general election. On retirement from politics, he was appointed^{[citation needed]} Chairman of the insurance company, MGM International.

[edit] Family

Other members of the Andrews family were and still are involved in politics. His brother, Niall Andrews, was also a TD and Member of the European Parliament for Dublin until his retirement from politics in 2004, while his son, Barry, followed him into politics and was elected to Dáil Éireann in 2002. His son David is a comedian.

Andrews' nephew, Ryan Tubridy is a broadcaster. He presents 'The Tubridy Show' on RTE Radio 1 and Tubridy Tonight on RTE 1 Television.

1. ^ A practice among Irish politicians of having two jobs, being an elected public representative, on public service adequate remuneration, yet maintaining an alternative lucrative alternate fee paying position in the courts.

[edit] Political career

Preceded by Desmond O'Malley	Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach (Government Chief Whip) 1970-1973	Succeeded by John Kelly
	Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence 1970-1973
Preceded by Newly Created Office	Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs 1977–1978	Succeeded by Office of Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs
Preceded by Office of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs	Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs 1978–1979	Succeeded by Office Abolished
Preceded by Gerard Collins	Minister for Foreign Affairs 1992-1993	Succeeded by Dick Spring
Preceded by John P. Wilson	Minister for Defence 1993-1994	Succeeded by Hugh Coveney
Preceded by Michael Woods	Minister for the Marine 1993-1994
Preceded by Seán Barrett	Minister for Defence 1997	Succeeded by Michael Smith
Preceded by Ray Burke	Minister for Foreign Affairs 1997-2000	Succeeded by Brian Cowen

This page incorporates information from the Oireachtas Members Database