Patrick John Hillery
Ireland- Early Life and Medical Career
- Entry into Politics
- Ministerial Positions
- Foreign Minister and European Commissioner
- Presidency
- Later Life and Legacy
Early Life and Medical Career
Patrick John Hillery was born on May 2, 1923, in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland. His father, Michael Joseph Hillery, was a rural medical doctor. Hillery graduated from University College Dublin in 1947 with a degree in medicine and took over his father's practice. He also served as a member of the National Health Council and for a year as coroner.
Entry into Politics
In 1951, Eamon de Valera, the leader of the opposition party Fianna Fáil, invited Hillery to run for the Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish Parliament. Hillery was elected, and Fianna Fáil won the election. Hillery quickly rose through the ranks of the party.
Ministerial Positions
In 1959, Hillery was appointed Minister for Education by Sean Lemass. In this role, he oversaw major educational reforms, including the expansion of secondary schools and vocational colleges in rural areas. In 1965, he became Minister for Industry and Commerce, where he played a key role in Lemass's economic development plans. In 1966, he became the country's first Minister for Labour, overseeing relations between workers and employers.
Foreign Minister and European Commissioner
In 1969, Hillery was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs. In this role, he played a key role in Jack Lynch's policy of reconciliation with Northern Ireland and sought to bring international attention to the issue in the United Nations following the Bloody Sunday massacre in Derry in 1972. That same year, he signed Ireland's accession treaty to the European Economic Community (EEC). In 1973, he became the first Irish member of the European Commission, serving as Vice-President and Commissioner for Social Policy.
Presidency
In 1976, Fine Gael Prime Minister Liam Cosgrave refused to reappoint Hillery to the Commission, leading to his return to medical practice. However, later that year, President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resigned, and Fianna Fáil nominated Hillery as their candidate. He was elected without opposition.
During his presidency, Hillery faced several controversies, including allegations of sexual impropriety in 1979 and a constitutional crisis in 1982 when he refused a request from Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald to dissolve the Dáil. Despite these challenges, he was re-elected for a second term in 1983.
Later Life and Legacy
After his presidency, Hillery retired from active politics. In 2002, he played a key role in the successful campaign for the ratification of the Nice Treaty in a second referendum. Hillery died on April 12, 2008, at the age of 84. He is remembered as a significant figure in Irish politics and a tireless advocate for social justice and peace.
