Paddy Burke (born 15 January 1955) is an Irish Fine Gael politician who has served as a Senator for the Agricultural Panel since 1993.[1] He previously served as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann from 2011 to 2016 and Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann from 2002 to 2011.
Paddy Burke | |
|---|---|
 Burke in 2014 | |
| Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann | |
| In office 25 May 2011 – 8 June 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Pat Moylan |
| Succeeded by | Denis O'Donovan |
| Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann | |
| In office 13 September 2002 – 25 May 2011 | |
| Cathaoirleach |
|
| Preceded by | Liam T. Cosgrave |
| Succeeded by | Denis O'Donovan |
| Senator | |
| Assumed office 17 February 1993 | |
| Constituency | Agricultural Panel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Patrick Burke 15 January 1955 Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
| Spouse |
Dolores Burke (m. 1988) |
| Alma mater | Dublin City University |
Burke was a member of Mayo County Council from 1979 until the abolition of the dual mandate in 2003. He was first elected to the Oireachtas in the 1993 election to the 20th Seanad as a Senator for the Agricultural Panel, which also returned him to the 21st Seanad in 1997 and to the 22nd Seanad in 2002.[2] In September 2002, Burke was elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach (deputy chairperson) of the Seanad, and after his re-election in 2007 to the 23rd Seanad he was re-elected as Leas Cathaoirleach.[1]
He was elected as the Cathaoirleach of the 24th Seanad on 25 May 2011.[3][4]
Following his involvement in the Oireachtas Golf Society scandal ("Golfgate") in August 2020, Burke was one of six senators who lost the party whip in the Senate as punishment for their actions.[5] The party unanimously voted to restore the whip to Burke in January 2021.[6] Burke is a member of the cross-party Oireachtas Friends of Israel in the Oireachtas.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "Paddy Burke". Oireachtas Members Database. Archived from the original on 7 November 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2008.
- ^ "Paddy Burke". ElectionsIreland.org. Archived from the original on 11 September 2007. Retrieved 19 February 2008.
- ^ "Paddy Burke elected as Seanad Cathaoirleach". RTÉ News. 25 May 2011. Archived from the original on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
- ^ "FG's Paddy Burke named as Seanad Cathoirleach". Irish Examiner. 24 May 2011. Archived from the original on 21 September 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
- ^ McDermott, Stephen (21 August 2020). "Golfgate: Who were the public figures at this week's controversial Oireachtas Golf Society dinner?". Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ Hosford, Paul (12 January 2021). "Golfgate: Fine Gael restores party whip to senators who attended". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
- ^ "Local Councillor Erin McGreehan given Seanad post by new Taoiseach". The Ditch. 13 September 2024. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.