Hugh Byrne (Fianna Fáil politician) facts for kids

Hugh Byrne (born 3 September 1943) is an Irish politician who used to be a member of the Fianna Fáil party. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Wexford area for 18 years. A TD is like a member of parliament in Ireland. He also spent three years as a senator, which means he was part of the upper house of the Irish parliament.

Hugh Byrne's Early Life and Political Start

Hugh Byrne was born on 3 September 1943 in Gusserane, a place in County Wexford, Ireland. Before becoming a politician, he was also known for his sports skills.

Entering Irish Politics

Hugh Byrne first became a TD for the Wexford area in the 1981 general election. This election decided who would represent different parts of Ireland in Dáil Éireann, the main parliament.

Time as a Senator

In the 1989 general election, Hugh Byrne lost his seat as a TD. However, he was then chosen by the Taoiseach (the head of the Irish government, like a Prime Minister) to become a senator. He served in the 19th Seanad for three years.

Returning to Dáil Éireann

Hugh Byrne successfully won back his Dáil seat in the 1992 election. He continued to be a TD until the 2002 general election. In that election, he lost his seat to another politician from his own party, Tony Dempsey.

Role as a Minister of State

From 1997 to 2002, Hugh Byrne had an important job as a Minister of State for Marine and Natural Resources. This role meant he helped make decisions about Ireland's seas and natural resources.

Hugh Byrne's Sporting Life

Besides his political career, Hugh Byrne was also a talented athlete. He played Gaelic football for the Wexford county team. He also played hurling for the Kildare county team. Both Gaelic football and hurling are traditional Irish sports.