Brian Lenihan Jnr
Brian Lenihan Jnr, TD | |
|---|---|
| File:Lenihan1.jpg | |
| Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform | |
| Assumed office June 14, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Michael McDowell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 29, 1959 Dublin Ireland |
| Political party | Fianna Fáil |
| Spouse | Patricia Ryan |
Brian Lenihan Jnr. (Irish: Brian Ó Luineacháin; born 21 May, 1959) is an Irish politician. He is currently a Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin West and on June 14th 2007 was appointed Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform by Bertie Ahern
Early & private life
Brian Joseph Lenihan was born in Dublin in 1959. He was educated at the exclusive Belvedere College before later attending Trinity College where he was conferred with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Lenihan subsequently received a law degree from Cambridge University before returning to King's Inns in Dublin where he trained as a barrister. He began lecturing in law at Trinity College in 1984, the same year that he was called to the bar. He became a senior counsel in 1997.
Lenihan is married to Patricia Ryan and is father to two children – a boy and a girl. Their names are unknown.
Early political career
Lenihan is a member of a famous Irish political dynasty. His father was Brian Lenihan, a former presidential candidate, Tánaiste and cabinet minister for over twenty-five years. His grandfather was Patrick Lenihan who followed his son into the Dáil from 1965 until 1970. Lenihan’s aunt is Mary O'Rourke, a TD for over twenty years and a former cabinet minister. His brother, Conor Lenihan, is also a TD and Minister of State.
Lenihan first became involved in politics in 1996 when he was asked to stand in the Dublin West by-election caused by the death of his father. He was successful in getting elected, however, his victory over Joe Higgins of the Socialist Party was tighter than expected. Following his re-election in the 1997 general election Lenihan became chairman of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution. He served in this position until 2002, when he was appointed Minister of State (with special responsibility for Children). As minister, Lenihan introduced new legislation regarding guardianship and adoption. In 2005 the government created the new Office of the Minister for Children, with Lenihan becoming the very first Minister for Children. This office allows all those in government whose job it is to look after the interests of children to work under one aegis. As Minister for Children, Lenihan wass allowed to attend cabinet meetings.
Cabinet career: 2007-present
Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform
Following the 2007 general election Fianna Fáil were returned to power as part of a Rainbow Coalition with the Progressive Democrats and the Green Party. Lenihan was the only Fianna Fáil TD to be promoted to the cabinet, taking over the high profile Justice portfolio. Forty years previously, his father, also named Brian Lenihan, had held the same portfolio.
The Future
Lenihan, like his father before him, is seen as a skilled politician. Along with Mary Hanafin, Lenihan is seen as a possible 'dark horse' in the next Fianna Fail leadership elections. The other prominent contenders include Brian Cowen, Dermot Ahern and Micheál Martin.
See also
This page incorporates information from the Oireachtas Members Database