Seán Ó Fearghaíl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
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Ó Fearghaíl in 2020
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| Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann | |
| In office 10 March 2016 – 18 December 2024 |
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| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Seán Barrett |
| Succeeded by | Verona Murphy |
| Teachta Dála | |
| Assumed office May 2002 |
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| Constituency | Kildare South |
| Senator | |
| In office 2 June 2000 – 17 May 2002 |
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| Constituency | Agricultural Panel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 April 1960 Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland |
| Political party | Fianna Fáil |
| Spouse |
Mary Clare Meaney
(m. 1997) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Dublin City University |
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (pronounced [ˈʃaːn̪ˠ oː ˈfʲaɾˠiːlʲ]; born 17 April 1960) is an Irish politician from the Fianna Fáil party. He has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Kildare South area since 2002. A TD is a member of the main part of Ireland's parliament, called Dáil Éireann. From March 2016 to December 2024, he served as the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. The Ceann Comhairle is like the speaker or chairperson of the parliament. Before becoming a TD, he was a Senator from 2000 to 2002. The Seanad Éireann is the other part of the Irish parliament.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl's Journey in Politics
Seán Ó Fearghaíl grew up on a farm. He also worked for the local government in Dublin for a time. His political career began when he was elected to Kildare County Council in 1985. This council helps manage local affairs in County Kildare.
He first tried to become a TD in 1987 but was not successful. He tried again in 1989, 1992, and 1997, but did not win a seat. In 1997, he also tried to become a Senator but was unsuccessful.
Finally, in June 2000, he won a seat in the 21st Seanad during a special election. This happened after a Senator named Patrick McGowan passed away.
Ó Fearghaíl won his Dáil seat in 2002 on his fifth attempt. He defeated the sitting TD, Alan Dukes, from the Fine Gael party. In the 2007 election, he received the most votes and was elected quickly. He was re-elected in the 2011 and 2016 elections.
From 2011 to 2012, he was the party whip for Fianna Fáil. This means he helped make sure all party members voted together. He was also the party's spokesperson on foreign affairs and trade. Later, he became the spokesperson for constitutional reform, arts, culture, and defence. He continued to be the party whip. He had to ensure all party members followed the party's official view on important votes.
In March 2016, he was chosen as the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. This was the first time the Ceann Comhairle was chosen by a secret vote among the members. He was re-elected to this important role in February 2020.
In November 2021, Ó Fearghaíl tested positive for COVID-19. He worked from home while he recovered. During this time, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Catherine Connolly, took over his duties.
In May 2024, Ó Fearghaíl helped create a special group called the Task Force on Safe Participation in Political Life. This group, led by former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan, works to make sure people can be involved in politics safely.
For the 2024 general election, as the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl had a special right to be automatically re-elected as a TD. Before the election, he said he would not seek another term as Ceann Comhairle. He planned to return to his party's group of TDs. However, after the election, it was reported he was thinking about a third term. He ran in the 2024 Ceann Comhairle election but was not elected.
Building Connections with China
As Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl has worked to build stronger connections between Ireland and China. He has supported increasing ties between the two countries.
In 2018, he advised Irish politicians to be careful about how they interacted with Taiwan. This was to avoid upsetting China and possibly harming Ireland's business and diplomatic relationships with China. In November 2020, some members of the Irish parliament raised questions about his efforts to encourage closer ties with China. Ó Fearghaíl has also spoken positively about China's economic policies.
