Martin O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of Clackmannan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord O'Neill of Clackmannan
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Official portrait, 2018
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| Chair of the Trade and Industry Select Committee | |
| In office 27 November 1995 – 11 April 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Caborn |
| Succeeded by | Peter Luff |
| Shadow Secretary of State for Defence | |
| In office 14 June 1988 – 18 July 1992 |
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| Leader | Neil Kinnock |
| Preceded by | Denzil Davies |
| Succeeded by | David Clark |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| In office 14 June 2005 – 26 August 2020 Life peerage |
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| Member of Parliament for Ochil Clackmannan (1983–1997) Clackmannan and Eastern Stirlingshire (1979–1983) |
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| In office 3 May 1979 – 11 April 2005 |
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| Preceded by | George Reid |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Martin John O'Neill
6 January 1945 |
| Died | 26 August 2020 (aged 75) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Labour |
| Spouse |
Elaine Marjorie Samuel
(m. 1973) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Trinity Academy, Edinburgh |
| Alma mater | Heriot-Watt University |
Martin John O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of Clackmannan (born 6 January 1945 – died 26 August 2020) was a Scottish Labour politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1979 to 2005. After that, he became a member of the House of Lords until he passed away.
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Early Life and Education
Martin O'Neill went to Trinity Academy, Edinburgh, which was a special state school at the time. He then studied at Heriot-Watt University, where he earned a degree in economics. After university, he worked as an insurance clerk. He also became very active in the Scottish Union of Students, even serving as its president from 1970 to 1971.
He married Elaine Marjorie Samuel on 21 July 1973. They had two sons together.
Political Career in Parliament
Martin O'Neill first tried to become an MP in 1974 but was not successful. However, he was elected as a Labour Member of Parliament in 1979. He served as an MP until 2005.
During his time as an MP, he represented different areas. These included Clackmannan and Eastern Stirlingshire, Clackmannan, and Ochil. He also held important roles, such as being a shadow defence secretary. This means he was the main opposition spokesperson for defence. Later, he became the Chairman of the Trade and Industry select committee. A select committee is a group of MPs who look closely at how the government is doing its job.
Joining the House of Lords
On 13 May 2005, it was announced that Martin O'Neill would become a life peer. A life peer is someone who is given a special title and can sit in the House of Lords for the rest of their life. This title cannot be passed on to their children.
On 14 June 2005, he officially became Baron O'Neill of Clackmannan. His title was linked to Clackmannan in Clackmannanshire.
Other Important Roles
Outside of his direct political work, Martin O'Neill held other significant positions. He was the Chairman of the Strategic Forum for Construction. He also led the Nuclear Industry Association.
He was a big fan of Hibernian F.C., a football club. He even served as a director for the club for several years.
Martin O'Neill was also a supporter of Humanists UK. This organization promotes humanism, which is a way of thinking that focuses on human values and reason. He received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in 2011. He was also an honorary associate of the National Secular Society.
Later Life
Martin O'Neill passed away in August 2020. He was 75 years old.
