In Ireland, the term Father of the Dáil (Irish: Athair na Dála[1]) is an unofficial title applied to the current member of Dáil Éireann with the longest unbroken period of service in the Dail, regardless of their position. The 'Father' has no official role in the business of the House as the title is honorific.
On a number of occasions two or more men have shared the position of Father of the Dáil; there has never been a female holder of the title.
James Everett was joint Father of the Dáil at his death in 1967. Oliver J. Flanagan's death occurred two months after his retirement in 1987. Neil Blaney's death in 1995 occurred while he was Father of the Dáil.[2]
The current Father of the Dáil is Willie O'Dea who was first elected to the Dáil at the February 1982 general election. Bernard Durkan was elected at the 1981 general election, but lost his seat in February 1982 and was re-elected in November 1982, so he does not have an unbroken record of service.
Fathers of the Dáil
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edit- ^ "Cad iad na suíocháin slán sabháilte?". 18 February 2016.
- ^ Doyle, Louise (12 November 2020). "The Way We Were - 25 Years Ago: November 11, 1995 - Farewell to Father of the Dáil". Donegal News. p. 18.
- ^ "Why Taoiseach Enda doesn't sound so funny". Irish Independent. 13 June 2009. Retrieved 14 June 2009.