Bernard Durkan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernard Durkan
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Durkan in 2020
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| Minister of State | |
| 1994–1997 | Social Welfare |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office June 1997 – November 2024 |
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| Constituency | Kildare North |
| In office November 1982 – June 1997 |
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| In office June 1981 – February 1982 |
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| Constituency | Kildare |
| Senator | |
| In office 13 May 1982 – 24 November 1982 |
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| Constituency | Agricultural Panel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 March 1945 Swinford, County Mayo, Ireland |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
| Spouse |
Hilary Spence
(m. 1983) |
| Children | 2 |
Bernard J. Durkan (born 26 March 1945) is an Irish former politician. He was a member of the Fine Gael political party. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for many years. A TD is like a Member of Parliament in Ireland.
Durkan represented the Kildare North area from 1997 to 2024. Before that, he represented the Kildare area. He was a TD from 1982 to 1997 and also from 1981 to 1982. He also served as a Minister of State for Social Welfare from 1994 to 1997. For a short time in 1982, he was a Senator. The Seanad is the upper house of the Irish parliament.
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Bernard Durkan's Early Life
Bernard Durkan was born in 1945 in Killasser, which is near Swinford in County Mayo. He went to school at St. John's, Carramore, also in County Mayo.
His son, Tim Durkan, is also a politician. Tim is a member of the Fine Gael party too. He was elected to Kildare County Council in 2014. He has kept his seat as a local councillor in elections since then.
In 1967, Bernard Durkan took part in a farmer's protest. He was involved in actions to support farmers' rights.
Bernard Durkan's Political Career
Bernard Durkan started his political journey in local government. He was elected to Kildare County Council in 1976. He stayed a member of the council until 1994. He even served as the chairman of the council from 1986 to 1987.
Becoming a Teachta Dála (TD)
He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1981. This was for the Kildare constituency. However, he lost his seat in the next election in February 1982. After this, he became a Senator for the Agricultural Panel.
Durkan quickly got his Dáil seat back in November 1982. He was re-elected many times after that. He won elections in 1987, 1989, and 1992.
Representing Kildare North
Later, the Kildare area was split into new constituencies. In 1997, he was elected for the new Kildare North area. He continued to win elections there in 2002, 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2020. In the 2011 election, he received the most votes in his area.
Important Roles in Government
During his time as a TD, Bernard Durkan held several important roles. He worked on different topics for the Fine Gael party. These included Health, Food, Trade and Industry, and Communications. He also focused on Overseas Development Aid and Human Rights.
From 1994 to 1997, he served as a Minister of State for Social Welfare. This meant he helped manage important government services for people.
He has also been involved in parliamentary committees. He served as vice-chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. He was also a member of the Joint Committee on European Affairs. He even led the Oireachtas Committee of European Affairs as chairman. For a time, he was the Fine Gael party's Chief Whip. This role involves making sure party members vote together.
In 2010, he decided to donate his ministerial pension to charity. This showed his commitment to helping others.
Recent Years in Politics
In September 2024, Bernard Durkan was the oldest TD serving in the 33rd Dáil. He continued to work hard for his constituents. However, he lost his seat in the 2024 general election. This marked the end of his long career in Dáil Éireann.
Images for kids
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Durkan in 2020
