Patrick Smith (politician) facts for kids

Patrick Smith (born July 17, 1901 – died March 18, 1982) was an important Irish politician. He was a member of the Fianna Fáil political party. Smith served as a Teachta Dála (which is like a Member of Parliament in Ireland) for a very long time, from 1923 to 1977. This was 53 years, the longest time anyone has served in that role in Ireland! He also held many important jobs as a minister in the Irish government under leaders like Éamon de Valera and Seán Lemass.

Paddy Smith: An Irish Leader

Paddy Smith was born in Bailieborough, County Cavan, Ireland. He was the youngest of eight children. Even as a teenager, he was involved in Irish independence.

Early Life and Irish Independence

Smith joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood when he was young. He played a small part in the Easter Rising of 1916. By 1920, at just 19 years old, he was a leader in the Irish Republican Army.

He was captured by British forces in 1921 during the Irish War of Independence. He was put on trial, but a truce was called, and he was set free. After the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed, Smith supported Éamon de Valera. He felt the treaty wasn't good enough for Ireland.

Joining Politics and Key Roles

In September 1923, Smith became a Teachta Dála (TD). In 1926, Éamon de Valera asked him to join his new political party, Fianna Fáil. This party decided its members would take their seats in the Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament).

Smith and de Valera had a very strong working relationship. Smith was always loyal to Fianna Fáil and de Valera. He often defended de Valera from criticism.

Serving During World War II

Smith worked as a Parliamentary Secretary (a junior minister) at the Department of the Taoiseach. This meant he was the Government Chief Whip. He said this time, during World War II, was his most important in Irish politics.

Making a Difference as Minister

In 1943, Smith became the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance. He worked with important figures like Seán T. O'Kelly. In 1947, he briefly served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture.

Later that month, he became the full Minister for Agriculture. He held this job until the Fianna Fáil government lost power in 1948.

Improving Roads and Public Health

When Fianna Fáil returned to power in 1951, Smith became Minister for Local Government. He focused on important social issues. He worked to reduce overcrowding in the slums of Dublin. He also helped fight tuberculosis, a serious illness at the time.

Smith also doubled the fee for car licenses. This money was used to improve roads across Ireland. This project helped create jobs for many people. About £3 million was raised, and work began on improving 34,000 miles of roads.

Later Political Career

Fianna Fáil lost power again in 1954 but returned in 1957. Smith was again appointed Minister for Local Government. He also became Minister for Agriculture once more.

Tackling Agricultural Challenges

As Minister for Agriculture, his main goal was to get rid of tuberculosis in cattle. This was a big problem for Irish farmers. He also wanted to help farmers produce more food and improve the quality of grasslands.

Smith was also part of a group of ministers who oversaw the First Programme for Economic Expansion. This plan helped kickstart Ireland's economy. He also served as Minister for Social Welfare for a time.

Smith continued to serve under Seán Lemass, who became the new Taoiseach. However, Smith disagreed with Lemass about how to deal with trade unions. Because of this, he resigned from all his ministerial jobs in 1964.

When Jack Lynch became Taoiseach in 1966, Smith was not given a cabinet position. He spent the rest of his time in Parliament as a regular member of the Fianna Fáil party. He retired from politics in 1977 at the age of 75.

Legacy and Passing

Patrick Smith passed away on March 18, 1982, at his home in Castleblayney, County Monaghan. He was 80 years old. He was survived by his wife, Mary Ward, and their six children. He was buried in West Knockbride Chapel in County Cavan. Charles Haughey, who had recently become Taoiseach, gave a speech at his funeral.