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 was born on April 17, 1960. He is an Irish politician from the Fianna Fáil political party. He has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Kildare South area since 2002. A TD is a member of the Irish Parliament.
He served as the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann from March 2016 to December 2024. The Ceann Comhairle is like the speaker or chairperson of the Dáil, which is the main part of the Irish Parliament. Before becoming a TD, he was a Senator from 2000 to 2002.
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Seán Ó Fearghaíl's Early Life and Political Journey
Seán Ó Fearghaíl grew up on a farm. He also worked for the Dublin City Council for a time. His political career began when he was elected to the Kildare County Council in 1985. This was his first step into public service.
He tried to become a Teachta Dála (TD) several times. He ran in the general elections in 1987, 1989, 1992, and 1997, but he was not elected on those occasions.
Becoming a Senator and TD
After his attempts to become a TD, Seán Ó Fearghaíl ran for the Seanad Éireann in 1997. The Seanad is the upper house of the Irish Parliament. He was not successful that time either. However, he won a seat in the Seanad in June 2000 during a special election.
He finally won a seat in the Dáil Éireann in the 2002 general election. This was his fifth attempt to become a TD. He was re-elected in the 2007, 2011, and 2016 general elections, showing strong support from voters in his area.
Role as Ceann Comhairle
In March 2016, Seán Ó Fearghaíl was elected as the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. This was a very important moment because it was the first time the Ceann Comhairle was chosen by a secret vote among the members of the Dáil. He was re-elected to this position in February 2020.
As Ceann Comhairle, he was in charge of making sure debates in the Dáil ran smoothly. He also made sure that all members followed the rules. In November 2021, he had to work from home after getting sick with COVID-19. Another politician, Catherine Connolly, took over his duties during that time.
In May 2024, he helped create a special group called the Task Force on Safe Participation in Political Life. This group worked to make sure that people involved in politics could do so safely.
At the 2024 general election, Seán Ó Fearghaíl had the right to be automatically elected as a TD because he was the outgoing Ceann Comhairle. He decided not to seek re-election as Ceann Comhairle and returned to his political party.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl's Views on International Relations
As Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl often spoke about Ireland's relationships with other countries. He supported stronger ties between Ireland and China.
In 2018, he advised members of the Irish Parliament to be careful when contacting Taiwan. He explained that such contact could upset the Chinese government and might affect Ireland's business and diplomatic relationships with China. He has also spoken positively about China's economic policies.
