Jim McDaid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim McDaid
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|---|---|
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| Minister of State | |
| 2002–2004 | Transport |
| Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation | |
| In office 26 June 1997 – 6 June 2002 |
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| Taoiseach | Bertie Ahern |
| Preceded by | Enda Kenny |
| Succeeded by | John O'Donoghue |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office June 1989 – 2 November 2010 |
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| Constituency | Donegal North-East |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Joseph McDaid
3 October 1949 Termon, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Political party | Fianna Fáil |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 5 |
| Education | St Eunan's College |
| Alma mater | University College Galway |
James Joseph McDaid (born 3 October 1949) is an Irish politician and doctor. He was a member of the Fianna Fáil political party. He served as a government minister, looking after things like tourism and sport. He was also a Teachta Dála (TD), which is like a member of parliament, for the Donegal North-East area from 1989 to 2010. Jim McDaid is also a medical doctor and still works as a family doctor in Letterkenny.
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Jim McDaid's Early Life and Education
Jim McDaid was born in Termon in County Donegal, Ireland. He went to St Eunan's College in Letterkenny from 1962 to 1967. After that, he studied at University College Galway (UCG). He earned his medical degree in 1974.
While at UCG, Jim was a talented soccer player. He played on the university team that won three national championships. He was even the team captain for two of those wins. He also received the Clubman of the Year Award in 1972–73.
From 1974 to 1979, Jim worked at Letterkenny General Hospital. In 1979, he started his own practice as a family doctor in Letterkenny. He also served as the medical officer for the Donegal county Gaelic football team.
Jim McDaid's Political Career
Jim McDaid began his political journey in 1989. He was elected to Dáil Éireann, the Irish parliament, in his first attempt. He was re-elected in every general election until he left the Dáil in 2010.
In 1991, the then-leader of Ireland, Charles Haughey, wanted to make Jim McDaid the Minister for Defence. However, this appointment did not happen.
Joining the Government
In 1997, Jim McDaid became a government minister. He was appointed Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation. He held this important role until 2002.
After the 2002 general election, Jim McDaid became a Minister of State. This role is a junior minister position. He also ran for the European Parliament in 2004 but was not elected. After this, he returned to being a regular member of parliament.
Later Political Decisions
In 2006, Jim McDaid first announced that he would retire from politics. He planned to focus on his medical work. However, he later changed his mind. He decided to run in the 2007 general election after another politician, Niall Blaney, joined his party.
The election in Donegal North-East was very competitive. There were three candidates from the Fianna Fáil party for three seats. Jim McDaid and Niall Blaney were elected, but another party member lost her seat.
After the 2007 election, Jim McDaid felt that his party had not supported him much. In 2008, he chose not to vote with his party on an important health issue. Because of this, he was removed from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary group.
In 2010, Jim McDaid resigned from his seat in the Dáil. In his resignation letter, he called for a new general election. He also said that the government was not dealing with important issues properly.
Jim McDaid's Personal Life
Jim McDaid lives with his second wife, Siobhán, and their son. He has five children in total.
