Charles McDonald (Irish politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles McDonald
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McDonald in 1978
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| Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann | |
| In office 8 October 1981 – 13 May 1982 |
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| Preceded by | Séamus Dolan |
| Succeeded by | Tras Honan |
| Senator | |
| In office 27 October 1977 – 17 February 1993 |
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| In office 14 December 1961 – 1 June 1973 |
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| Constituency | Agricultural Panel |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office February 1973 – June 1977 |
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| Constituency | Laois–Offaly |
| Member of the European Parliament | |
| In office January 1973 – June 1979 |
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| Constituency | Oireachtas Delegation |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 June 1935 County Laois, Ireland |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
Charles McDonald was born on June 11, 1935. He is an Irish politician who used to be a member of the Fine Gael political party. He served in important roles in Irish and European politics for many years.
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Who is Charles McDonald?
Charles McDonald was a politician from County Laois, Ireland. Before he started his political career, he worked as a farmer. He became known for serving in different parts of the Irish government and also in the European Parliament.
Early Life and Start in Politics
Charles McDonald first became a politician in 1961. He was elected as a Senator for the first time. He held this position until 1973. In 1973, he was elected to the Dáil Éireann, which is the main parliament in Ireland. He represented the Laois–Offaly area.
Serving in the Dáil and Seanad
After serving in the Dáil, Charles McDonald lost his seat in 1977. However, he was elected back to the Seanad Éireann that same year. He continued to serve as a Senator until 1993. During this time, he held important leadership roles in the Seanad. He was the Cathaoirleach (which means Chairperson) of the Seanad from 1981 to 1982. He also served as the Leas-Chathaoirleach (Deputy Chairperson) for several years.
Representing Ireland in Europe
In 1973, Charles McDonald also became a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). He was part of Ireland's very first group of MEPs. At that time, MEPs were chosen by their national parliaments, not directly by voters. He served in the European Parliament until 1979. In 1979, the first direct elections for MEPs were held, but he did not win a seat.
What is a Senator, TD, and MEP?
These are different types of elected officials who represent people in government.
Senator
A Senator is a member of the Seanad Éireann, which is the upper house of the Irish parliament. They help to review and make laws.
Teachta Dála (TD)
A Teachta Dála (TD) is a member of the Dáil Éireann. This is the main law-making body in Ireland. TDs are elected by the public to represent their local areas.
Member of the European Parliament (MEP)
An MEP represents their country in the European Parliament. This parliament makes laws for all the countries in the European Union.
