Jim O'Keeffe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim O'Keeffe
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O'Keeffe in 1984
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| Minister of State | |
| 1986–1987 | Public Service |
| 1982–1986 | Foreign Affairs |
| 1981–1982 | Foreign Affairs |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office June 1977 – February 2011 |
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| Constituency | Cork South-West |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 31 March 1941 Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
| Alma mater |
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Jim O'Keeffe (born 31 March 1941) is an Irish politician who used to work in the government. He was a Teachta Dála (TD), which is like a member of parliament, for the Cork South-West area from 1977 to 2011. He also served as a Minister of State, a government helper, at different times between 1981 and 1987.
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Jim O'Keeffe: An Irish Politician
Jim O'Keeffe was born in Skibbereen, a town in County Cork, Ireland, in 1941. He went to St. Fachtna's High School in Skibbereen. After that, he studied at University College Cork and University College Dublin. He also attended the Incorporated Law School.
Early Life and Education
Before becoming a politician, Jim O'Keeffe worked as a solicitor. A solicitor is a type of lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents. This background helped him understand laws and how the government works.
Starting in Politics
Jim O'Keeffe first became a Teachta Dála (TD) in 1977. He was elected during the 1977 general election. He represented the Cork South-West area for the Fine Gael political party. He was re-elected in every general election until he decided to retire in 2011.
Working as a Minister
In June 1981, Jim O'Keeffe was given an important job. He became the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. His special role was to help with overseas development. This means he worked on projects to help other countries.
This government was a partnership between the Fine Gael and Labour Party. It was led by Garret FitzGerald. This government lasted until March 1982. After a short time, the two parties formed a new government in December 1982. Jim O'Keeffe was appointed to the same position again.
In February 1986, he took on a new role. He became the Minister of State at the Department of the Public Service. He kept this job until March 1987. At that time, the Fine Gael party was no longer in government.
Important Roles in Opposition
When his party was not in government, Jim O'Keeffe held many important roles. These roles are called "Opposition Front Bench portfolios." He worked on topics like Foreign Affairs, Social Welfare, Agriculture, Health, and Justice.
From 1996 to 1997, he was the first person to lead the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution. This committee looks at Ireland's main laws. He also served as a vice-chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution.
Retirement and Later Work
Jim O'Keeffe decided to retire from politics in 2011. This was before the general election that year.
After his retirement, he continued to serve the public. From February 2014 to February 2020, he was a member of the Standards in Public Office Commission. This group helps make sure that people in public jobs act fairly and honestly.
