Michael McNamara (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael McNamara
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McNamara in 2020
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| Member of the European Parliament | |
| Assumed office 17 July 2024 |
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| Teachta Dála | |
| In office February 2020 – 17 July 2024 |
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| In office February 2011 – February 2016 |
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| Constituency | Clare |
| Chairman of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Response | |
| In office 12 May 2020 – 8 October 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Committee established |
| Succeeded by | Committee dissolved |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 March 1974 Limerick, Ireland |
| Political party |
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| Other political affiliations |
Labour Party (until 2017) |
| Spouse |
Sarah Jane Hillery
(m. 2015) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | |
Michael McNamara was born on March 1, 1974. He is an independent politician from Ireland. Since July 2024, he has been a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the South area of Ireland.
Before becoming an MEP, he was a Teachta Dála (TD), which is a member of the Irish Parliament. He represented the Clare area from 2020 to 2024. He also served as a TD for Clare from 2011 to 2016.
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Michael McNamara's Political Journey
Michael McNamara first tried to become a Member of the European Parliament in 2009. He ran as an independent candidate but was not elected at that time.
Early Career in Irish Politics
In 2011, Michael McNamara was elected as a TD for Clare. He was part of the Labour Party then. During his time as a TD, he was a member of important committees. These included the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. He also worked with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Michael McNamara is a barrister, which means he is a type of lawyer. He has also worked on projects related to human rights and democracy. These projects were with groups like the OSCE and the United Nations.
Becoming an Independent Politician
In 2015, Michael McNamara voted against the government on a decision about selling shares in Aer Lingus, an airline. Because he voted against his party's wishes for the third time, he was temporarily removed from the Labour Party group in parliament. He rejoined them later that year. However, he lost his seat as a TD in the 2016 election.
In 2020, Michael McNamara was elected as a TD again, but this time he ran as an independent candidate for the Clare area. He became the Chairman of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Response. This committee worked from May to October 2020. He also campaigned on certain referendums in 2024.
Serving in the European Parliament
In 2024, Michael McNamara was elected as an independent MEP for the South constituency. He officially started his role on July 17, 2024. In the European Parliament, he is part of the Renew Europe political group.
Michael McNamara's Family Life
Michael McNamara is married to Sarah Jane Hillery. Sarah Jane is the granddaughter of Patrick Hillery, who was the President of Ireland from 1976 to 1990. Michael and Sarah Jane have two children.
