Mary Wallace

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Mary Wallace (Irish: Máire De Bhailís; born 13 June 1959) is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. She is currently a Teachta Dála for Meath and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Mary Wallace was born in Dublin in 1959. She was educated at the Loreto Convents in Balbriggan and North Great Georges Street, Dublin and the College of Commerce, Rathmines where she received a diploma in Hospital and Health Services Administration. Following this she went on to work as a Personnel Executive in Blanchardstown Hospital.

Wallace first became involved in politics in 1982 when she was elected to Meath County Council. She served on that authority until 1997. In 1987 she was elected to Seanad Éireann having failed to get elected to Dáil Éireann in the general election. She was, however, successful at the 1989 general election and has retained her seat ever since. Wallace remained on the backbenches until 1995 when she became Opposition Spokesperson for people with disabilities and carers. When Fianna Fáil came to power in 1997 she became Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Wallace lost her position in 2002 when the Disability Bill she was piloting through the Dáil was withdrawn.

In February 2006 Wallace rejoined the junior ministerial team as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food with special responsibility for Forestry. Her promotion caused some surprise as Seán Haughey had been the front-runner for promotion, while Wallace's name had not even been mentioned.

Preceded by Michael Lynch	Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála for Meath 1989 – present	Incumbent
Preceded by Newly created office	Minister of State (with special responsibility for Equality) 1997 – 2002	Succeeded by Willie O'Dea
Preceded by John Browne	Minister of State (with special responsibility for Forestry) 2006 – present	Incumbent