Tom Kitt

Tom Kitt (born 11 July 1952) is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin South constituency from 1987 to 2011.^[1] He also served as Government Chief Whip from 2004 to 2008.

Early and private life

Tom Kitt was born in Galway and educated at St. Jarlath's College, Tuam and St Patrick's College of Education, Dublin. Kitt worked as a primary school teacher before becoming involved in local politics as a member of Dublin City Council in 1979.

As well as being involved in politics, Kitt has run several marathons. He completed the Dublin city marathon on five occasions as well as the Berlin Marathon (1991), the Belfast Marathon (1996) and the 100th Boston Marathon in 1996.

Kitt comes from a family with a strong political background. He is a son of Michael F. Kitt, who was a TD for various Galway constituencies (1948–1951 and 1957–1975), and a brother of Michael P. Kitt, currently a TD for Galway East. His sister, Áine Brady is a former TD for Kildare North, and his brother in law Gerry Brady is a former TD for Kildare. Tom Kitt's sons David, Thomas and Robbie are musicians.

Political career

He was elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1987 general election as a Fianna Fáil TD. He was re-elected at all subsequent elections until his retirement in 2011.^[2] In 1992 Kitt was appointed Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility for Arts, Culture and Women's Affairs. The following year in 1993 he became Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Under Bertie Ahern he became Fianna Fáil spokesman on Labour Affairs in 1995. In 1997 Fianna Fáil returned to power and Kitt became Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In 2002 he was appointed to the Department of Foreign Affairs as Minister of State with responsibility for Overseas Development and Human Rights. Following the Cabinet reshuffle in 2004 Kitt became Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Defence, effectively Government Chief Whip.

In May 2008 when Brian Cowen became Taoiseach, he was not re-appointed as government chief whip. He was the only serving minister of state under Bertie Ahern to be sacked. He declined the offer of another junior ministry, and announced that his intention to step down from the Dáil at the next general election.^[3]

See also

• Families in the Oireachtas

References