Michael Ring

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Michael Ring (born 24 December 1953) is an Irish politician, serving as one of three Fine Gael Teachtaí Dála (TDs) for Mayo.

A former breadman and auctioneer, he was first elected in a by-election in 1994. He has been returned at every election since, most recently in the 2007 general election. He has served on the Fine Gael frontbench as spokesman for social and family affairs. Much to the chagrin of his party leader Enda Kenny, Ring is open to the possibility of coalition government with Sinn Féin, which his brother is a member of.

Ring is an enthusiastic supporter of the arts and is believed to have been behind the commissioning of artists Gilbert and George to furnish a piece of installation art for the apparition wall of the old church at Knock Shrine in east Mayo. While initially an outspoken supporter of the Shell to Sea campaign in northwest Mayo (he told campaigners he would go to jail if necessary), Ring was brought into line with the rest of the party by Enda Kenny. In an interview with local radio in May 2007, Ring announced he now supports Royal Dutch Shell's plans for the Corrib gas project.