Andy Ireland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andy Ireland
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida |
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| In office January 3, 1977 – January 3, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | James A. Haley |
| Succeeded by | Charles T. Canady (Redistricting) |
| Constituency | 8th District (1977-1983) 10th District (1983-1993) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 23, 1930 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | October 20, 2024 (aged 94) Sarasota, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (1984–2024) |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic (until 1984) |
| Alma mater | Yale University Columbia University Louisiana State University |
Andrew Poysell Ireland (born August 23, 1930 – died October 20, 2024) was an American banker and politician from Florida. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1993. He served eight terms, first as a Democrat, then as a Republican after changing parties in 1984.
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Who Was Andy Ireland?
Andy Ireland was a well-known figure in both banking and politics. He spent many years representing the people of Florida in the United States Congress. His career showed how someone could move from the business world into public service.
Early Life and Education
Andy Ireland was born on August 23, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His family was quite wealthy. He attended a private school in Cincinnati before finishing high school at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.
He continued his education at Yale University, where he earned a degree in business. Later, he did more studies at Columbia University. These experiences helped prepare him for a successful career.
From Banking to Politics
After college, Ireland began a career in banking. In 1954, he joined Barnett National Bank in Jacksonville, Florida. By 1962, he became the president and chairman of American National Bank of Winter Haven, Florida. This meant he was in charge of the bank's operations.
From 1968 to 1970, Ireland also served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta. This role involved helping to guide the country's money system.
Ireland first entered politics in 1966. He successfully ran for the position of Winter Haven city commissioner. This was his first step into public service. In 1981, he also served as a delegate for the United States at the United Nations.
Serving in Congress
In 1977, Andy Ireland was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. Congress where laws are made. He was first elected as a Democrat. He served several terms in Congress.
Switching Political Parties
On March 17, 1984, Andy Ireland made a big announcement. He said he was changing his political party from Democrat to Republican. This change became official a few months later.
Ireland had always been one of the more conservative Democrats from Florida. This meant his political views were often closer to those of Republicans. He felt that the Democratic Party was moving too far to the left for him. He famously said, "I didn't leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me."
Even before he officially switched, many people knew Ireland didn't always agree with his party. The Speaker of the House at the time, Tip O'Neill, even joked that Ireland "wasn't much of a Democrat anyway." After his switch, Ireland was reelected as a Republican for several more terms. He served in the House of Representatives until January 3, 1993, when he retired.
Later Years
Andy Ireland passed away in Sarasota, Florida, on October 20, 2024. He was 94 years old.
See also
- List of American politicians who switched parties in office
- List of United States representatives who switched parties
