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Ray BurkeFormer Irish politician
Date of Birth: 30.09.1943
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Content:
- Early Life and Political Beginnings
- Parliamentary Career and Ministerial Positions
- Controversies and Corruption Allegations
- Legal Consequences and Imprisonment
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Raphael Patrick "Ray" Burke was born on September 30, 1943, in Dublin, Ireland. He attended the O'Connell Schools and pursued a career as an auctioneer before entering politics. Burke's political journey commenced in 1967 when he was elected to the Dublin County Council. He rose through the ranks, becoming chairman of the council from 1985 to 1987.
Parliamentary Career and Ministerial Positions
In 1973, Burke was elected to the Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament, representing the Dublin County North constituency. He succeeded his father, Patrick Joseph Burke, who had served as a Fianna Fáil TD for 29 years. Burke would continue to represent this constituency and its successor, Dublin North, for nearly 25 years.
After Fianna Fáil's victory in the 1977 general election, Burke was appointed as Minister of State for the Department of Industry and Commerce. He supported George Colley in the 1979 Fianna Fáil leadership contest, but after Colley was defeated by Charles Haughey, Haughey retained Burke in his government. Burke became a staunch supporter of Haughey during the subsequent internal battles over the party's leadership.
Controversies and Corruption Allegations
Burke's political career was marred by several controversies and allegations of corruption. In 1997, while serving as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Burke resigned after allegations emerged that he had received £80,000 from a developer to influence planning decisions in the former Dublin County Council. A subsequent tribunal of inquiry led by Judge Feargus Flood concluded that Burke had acted in a corrupt manner.
Further allegations involving Burke targeted Ireland's radio stations, which were perceived by him to have displayed bias against him during an election. Burke's influence led to financial losses and the closure of some stations, all of which were attributed to substantial bribes paid to him. Additional disclosures revealed other deals that had only taken place due to extensive kickbacks to Burke.
Legal Consequences and Imprisonment
In July 2004, Burke pleaded guilty to making false tax returns and was sentenced to six months in prison in January 2005. He became one of the most senior Irish politicians to be jailed. Burke was released early in June 2005 for good behavior.