John O'Dowd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John O'Dowd
MLA
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O'Dowd in 2021
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| Minister for Finance | |
| Assumed office 3 February 2025 |
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| First Minister | Michelle O'Neill |
| Preceded by | Caoimhe Archibald |
| Minister for Infrastructure | |
| In office 3 February 2024 – 3 February 2025 |
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| First Minister | Michelle O'Neill |
| Preceded by | Himself (2022) |
| Succeeded by | Liz Kimmins |
| In office 16 May 2022 – 27 October 2022 |
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| First Minister | Vacant |
| Preceded by | Nichola Mallon |
| Succeeded by | Himself (2024) |
| Minister for Education | |
| Acting 16 May 2011 – 25 May 2016 Serving with Peter Robinson
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| First Minister | Peter Robinson |
| Preceded by | Caitríona Ruane |
| Succeeded by | Peter Weir |
| Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland | |
| In office 20 September 2011 – 31 October 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Martin McGuinness |
| Succeeded by | Martin McGuinness |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Upper Bann |
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| Assumed office 26 November 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Dara O'Hagan |
| Constituency | Loughside |
| Member of Craigavon Borough Council |
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| In office 21 May 1997 – 5 May 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Brendan McConville |
| Succeeded by | Mairéad O'Dowd |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Fitzgerald O'Dowd
10 May 1967 Tullylish, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Political party | Sinn Féin |
| Spouse | Mary O'Dowd |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupation | Politician |
John Fitzgerald O'Dowd (born 10 May 1967) is an Irish politician from the Sinn Féin party. He has been a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Upper Bann since 2003. Since February 2025, he has served as the Minister for Finance. Before this, he was the Minister for Infrastructure from May to October 2022, and again from February 2024 until February 2025. He also served as Minister for Education in the Stormont Executive from 2011 to 2016. For a short time in 2011, he took on the duties of Deputy First Minister.
In 2019, Mr. O'Dowd tried to become the Vice President of Sinn Féin. This attempt was not successful.
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John O'Dowd's Early Life and Political Start
John O'Dowd was born in 1967 in Tullylish, a small community in Northern Ireland. Before he became a politician, he trained and worked as a chef.
He started his political journey by serving as a local councillor for 14 years. He was a councillor on the Craigavon Borough Council. A councillor is someone elected to represent people in a local area. He also helped manage schools as a school governor.
Mr. O'Dowd was the leader of the Sinn Féin group on the Craigavon Council. He also led the Sinn Féin group in the Northern Ireland Assembly from 2007 to 2011.
Becoming an MLA and Key Roles
In 2003, John O'Dowd was elected as an MLA for Upper Bann. An MLA is a person elected to make laws and decisions for Northern Ireland.
From 2007 to 2011, he was the leader of the Sinn Féin group in the Assembly. He also chaired the Public Accounts Committee. This committee checks how the government spends money. Later, in 2008, he joined the Education Committee.
Minister for Education
From 2011 to 2016, John O'Dowd served as the Minister for Education. In this role, he was in charge of schools and education policies in Northern Ireland.
Acting Deputy First Minister
In 2011, Martin McGuinness, who was the Deputy First Minister, decided to run for president in Ireland. While Mr. McGuinness was campaigning, John O'Dowd temporarily took over his duties. He served as the acting Deputy First Minister from 20 September to 31 October 2011.
Minister for Infrastructure
On 13 May 2022, John O'Dowd was chosen to be the temporary Minister for Infrastructure. He officially started this role on 16 May 2022 and served until October 2022. He took on this role again from February 2024 until February 2025. As Minister for Infrastructure, he was responsible for things like roads, public transport, and water services.
Minister for Finance
Since February 2025, John O'Dowd has been the Minister for Finance. In this important role, he manages the government's money and budget for Northern Ireland.
Personal Life
John O'Dowd is married and has three children.
