Michael J. Noonan (Fianna Fáil politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael J. Noonan
|
|
|---|---|
| Minister for Defence | |
| In office 10 March 1987 – 12 July 1989 |
|
| Taoiseach | Charles Haughey |
| Preceded by | Paddy O'Toole |
| Succeeded by | Brian Lenihan Snr |
| Minister of State | |
| 1989–1992 | Marine |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office June 1969 – June 1997 |
|
| Constituency | Limerick West |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 August 1935 Bruff, County Limerick, Ireland |
| Died | 17 September 2013 (aged 78) County Limerick, Ireland |
| Political party | Fianna Fáil |
| Spouse |
Helen Sheahan
(m. 1961) |
| Children | 6 |
| Alma mater | University College Cork |
Michael Joseph Noonan (born August 4, 1935 – died September 17, 2013) was an Irish politician. He was a member of the Fianna Fáil political party. He served as the Minister for Defence for Ireland from 1987 to 1989.
Contents
Early Life and First Steps in Politics
Michael J. Noonan was born in a town called Bruff in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1935. He went to school locally at Salesian College in Limerick. After that, he studied at University College Cork, where he earned a diploma in Rural Science.
After finishing his education, Michael Noonan worked as a farmer. He then decided to get involved in politics. His first political role was when he was elected to the Limerick County Council in 1967. He stayed a member of this local council until 1991.
Becoming a TD
In 1969, Michael Noonan was elected to Dáil Éireann. This is the main parliament of Ireland. He became a Teachta Dála, often called a TD, for the Limerick West area. This was his first time trying to get elected to the Dáil, and he succeeded!
Role as Minister for Defence
In 1987, Michael Noonan was given an important job. He was appointed as the Minister for Defence. This meant he was in charge of Ireland's military forces.
During his time as Minister, he had some disagreements, especially about pay for the Irish Army. After the 1989 general election, his party, Fianna Fáil, formed a new government with another party. Because of this, Michael Noonan moved to a different role.
He became a Minister of State at the Department of the Marine. He held this position until 1992.
Later Political Career
Even after leaving his ministerial role, Michael Noonan remained an active politician. He was known for speaking his mind. Sometimes, his strong opinions led to disagreements within his own party.
He retired from political life in 1997. He passed away on September 17, 2013.
