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 is a former Irish politician who was born on March 31, 1941. He was a member of the Dáil Éireann, which is like Ireland's main parliament. He was known as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork South-West area from 1977 to 2011. He also served as a Minister of State at different times between 1981 and 1987.
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Jim O'Keeffe: A Look at His Life
Jim O'Keeffe was an important figure in Irish politics for many years. He was part of the Fine Gael political party. His career involved working both in government and in opposition, helping to shape laws and policies for Ireland.
Early Life and Education
Jim O'Keeffe was born in a town called Skibbereen in County Cork, Ireland, in 1941. He went to St. Fachtna's High School in Skibbereen. After that, he studied at two well-known universities: University College Cork and University College Dublin. He also studied law at the Incorporated Law School. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer.
Starting His Political Journey
Jim O'Keeffe first became a TD in 1977. This happened during the 1977 Irish general election. He was elected to represent the Cork South-West area. He was very popular in his area because he was re-elected in every general election until he decided to retire in 2011.
Working as a Minister
When a political party wins an election, they form a government. Jim O'Keeffe was appointed as a Minister of State several times. A Minister of State helps a main government minister with specific tasks.
In June 1981, he became the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. His job was to help with overseas development, which means helping other countries. This government was a team-up between the Fine Gael and Labour Party and was led by Garret FitzGerald. This government lasted until March 1982.
After a short time when his party wasn't in government, Fine Gael and the Labour Party formed a new government in December 1982. Jim O'Keeffe was given the same job again. In February 1986, he got a new role. He became the Minister of State at the Department of the Public Service. He kept this job until March 1987, when Fine Gael was no longer in government.
Working in Opposition
Even when his party wasn't in government, Jim O'Keeffe continued to work hard. He held many important roles on the "Opposition Front Bench." This means he was a main spokesperson for his party on different topics. He covered areas 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 rule book, the Constitution. He also served as a vice-chairperson of another Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution.
After Politics
Jim O'Keeffe decided to retire from politics before the 2011 Irish general election. Even after leaving the Dáil, he continued to serve the public. From 2014 to 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.
