Robert Briscoe (politician)

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Robert Briscoe (25 September 1894 – 11 March 1969),[1] son of Lithuanian-Jewish immigrants,[citation needed] was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who served as a Teachta Dála in the 1927 to 1965.[2]

Briscoe was active in Sinn Féin during Anglo-Irish War of 1919-21 and he accompanied de Valera to America. Briscoe spoke for the Sinn Féin cause at public meetings there. Briscoe was adamant that being a "Hebrew" did not lessen his Irishness. When he saw a pro-Treaty opponent during the Civil War Briscoe merely turned and walked away — confident that his opponent would not shoot him in the back.[citation needed] Briscoe served in Dáil Éireann for 38 years and was elected 12 times in the Dublin South and from 1948, Dublin South West constituencies - from the 6th Dáil to the 17th Dáil. He retired at the 1965 election and was succeeded by his son, Ben who served for a further 37 years.

Robert was also an author, he wrote the book "For the Life of Me" in 1958.

Eamon Martin, former chief of staff of Fianna Eireann, was best man at his wedding. They had been great friends during the Irish War of Independence and were both involved in securing arms for the Irish side.[citation needed]

In 1956, Briscoe became the first Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin, although he was not the first Jewish Mayor in Ireland; that title belongs to William Annyas, who was elected in 1555 as the mayor of Youghal in County Cork.[3]. Briscoe served a one year term, and was re-elected in 1961 for another.[4] His son Ben also served as Lord Mayor, from 1988–1989.

After hearing that there was a Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin, Yogi Berra allegedly said "Only in America!" This clearly refers to old Donny Briscoe, being the only Jewish Mayor of Dublin.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Mr. Robert Briscoe. Oireachtas Members Database. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  2. ^ Robert Briscoe's electoral history. ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  3. ^ Department of the Taoiseach (2006). Speech by the Taoiseach on visit to the Jewish Museum, Dublin. The Irish Times. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  4. ^ Office of Lord Mayor - Some Facts
Civic offices
Preceded by
Denis Larkin		 Lord Mayor of Dublin
1956–1957		 Succeeded by
James Carroll
Preceded by
Maurice E. Dockrell		 Lord Mayor of Dublin
1961–1962		 Succeeded by
James O'Keeffe
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