Father of the Dáil

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In the Republic of Ireland, the term Father of the Dáil is an unofficial title applied to the current member of Dáil Éireann with the longest unbroken period of service, regardless of their position. The 'Father' has no official role in the business of the House as the title is largely honorific.

The current Father of the Dáil is Enda Kenny, who is also the leader of Fine Gael, having first been elected on November 12, 1975.

Michael Kitt was the first member of the 30th Dáil elected to the house, at a by-election on March 4, 1975. His Dáil service has, however, been interrupted by two terms in the Senate.

On a number of occasions two or more people have shared the position of Father of the Dáil.

[edit] Recent Fathers of the Dáil

Name Entered Office Left Office Party Period began
Frank Fahy February 4, 1948 July 14, 1953 Fianna Fáil 1918 election
Éamon de Valera February 4, 1948 June 23, 1959 Fianna Fáil 1918 election
Gerald Boland June 23, 1959 October 4, 1961 Fianna Fáil 1923 election
James Ryan June 23, 1959 April 7, 1965 Fianna Fáil 1923 election
Patrick McGilligan June 23, 1959 April 7, 1965 Fine Gael 1923 election
James Everett June 23, 1959 December 18, 1967 Labour Party 1923 election
Thomas McEllistrim June 23, 1959 June 18, 1969 Fianna Fáil 1923 election
Frank Aiken June 23, 1959 February 28, 1973 Fianna Fáil 1923 election
Paddy Smith June 23, 1959 July 5, 1977 Fianna Fáil 1923 election
Liam Cosgrave July 5, 1977 June 11, 1981 Fine Gael 1943 election
Dan Spring July 5, 1977 June 11, 1981 Labour Party 1943 election
Oliver J. Flanagan July 5, 1977 February 17, 1987 Fine Gael 1943 election
Neil Blaney February 17, 1987 November 8, 1995 Independent Fianna Fáil Dec. 1948 By-election
Paddy Harte November 8, 1995 June 6, 1997 Fine Gael 1961 election
Seán Treacy November 8, 1995 June 6, 1997 Labour Party 1961 election
Séamus Pattison November 8, 1995 June 14, 2007 Labour Party 1961 election
Enda Kenny 14 June 2007 Incumbent Fine Gael Nov. 1975 By-election

[edit] See also