Vincent Brady

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vincent Brady (born March, 1936) was a senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He served under Taoiseach Charles Haughey as Government Chief Whip (1987–1991) and Minister for Defence (1991–1992).

Vincent Brady was born in Dublin in 1936. He was educated at O’Connell Christian Brothers School in Dublin and the College of Commerce in Rathmines. He was a company director before embarking on a career in politics. Brady was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1977 General Election. Two years later he became involved in local politics when he was elected to Dublin City Council. In that year Fianna Fáil faced its first leadership election since 1966. It was a straight choice between Charles Haughey and George Colley. Brady backed Haughey, his constituency colleague and eventual winner. He continued to back Haughey during the three heaves against him in the early 1980s.

In 1984 Brady joined the front bench of the party as Chief Whip. In 1987 Fianna Fáil were back in power and Brady was appointed Irish Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, effectively Government Chief Whip. He served in that position until November 1991, when he joined the cabinet as Minister for Defence. He remained in that position until February 1992 when Albert Reynolds became Taoiseach and sacked Brady. Brady retired from politics at the general election held in 1992.

Political offices
Preceded by Fergus O'Brien	Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Government Chief Whip) 1987-1991	Succeeded by Dermot Ahern
	Minister of State at the Department of Defence 1987-1991
Preceded by Brendan Daly	Minister of State at the Department of Finance Feb 1991–Nov 1991	Succeeded by John O'Donoghue
	Minister for Defence 1991-1992	Succeeded by John P. Wilson