John O'Connell (Dublin politician) facts for kids

John Francis O'Connell (born 20 January 1927, died 8 March 2013) was an important Irish politician. He was a member of different political parties during his career, including the Labour Party, an Independent (meaning he wasn't part of a specific party), and Fianna Fáil.

John O'Connell held many important jobs in Irish politics. He was the Minister for Health from 1992 to 1993. He also served as the Ceann Comhairle (the chairperson or speaker) of Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament) from 1981 to 1982. He was a Teachta Dála (TD), which is like a Member of Parliament, for many years. He was also a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and a Senator.

Early Life and Medical Career

John O'Connell was born in Dublin, Ireland. He went to school at St. Vincent's C.B.S. and then studied medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin.

After becoming a doctor, he started two important medical publications. In 1960, he created MIMS Ireland, which was a monthly guide to medical specialties for doctors. In 1967, he founded the Irish Medical Times, a weekly newspaper specifically for doctors.

Starting in Politics

John O'Connell began his political journey when he was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1965. He became a TD for the Labour Party in the Dublin South-West area. He kept his seat in this area until 1977.

In 1977, the areas for elections (called constituencies) changed. He was then elected as a TD for Dublin Ballyfermot. In 1979, he was also elected to the European Parliament as an MEP for the Dublin area. This was the first time people directly voted for MEPs in Ireland.

Becoming Independent and Ceann Comhairle

In 1981, the election areas changed again. John O'Connell decided to run as an Independent candidate in Dublin South-Central. This meant he ran without being part of a specific political party. He won the most votes in that election.

In June 1981, when the new Dáil met, John O'Connell was chosen to be the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. This is a very important role, like being the referee in Parliament, making sure debates run smoothly. Because of this new role, he left his position in the European Parliament. He was chosen as Ceann Comhairle again in March 1982. However, in December 1982, he was not chosen for the role again.

As the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, John O'Connell was automatically re-elected as a TD in the two elections held in 1982.

Joining Fianna Fáil and Later Roles

John O'Connell remained an Independent TD until February 1985, when he joined the Fianna Fáil political party. He lost his Dáil seat in the 1987 election.

However, in the same year, he was chosen by the Taoiseach (the Irish Prime Minister), Charles Haughey, to become a Senator. The Seanad is the upper house of the Irish Parliament. He served as a Senator until 1989, when he was re-elected as a TD in the general election.

In 1992, John O'Connell was appointed Minister for Health by Albert Reynolds, who was the Taoiseach at the time. He served in this important role until 1993. Due to health reasons, he then retired from his government job and resigned from the Dáil.

John O'Connell also played a part in peace talks during the 1970s. He helped arrange a meeting between Harold Wilson, who was the leader of the British Labour Party, and a member of the Provisional IRA Army Council. These talks aimed to achieve a ceasefire.

In 1988, he wrote a book about his life called Doctor John: crusading doctor and politician.