Rory O'Hanlon

Rory O'Hanlon was born on 7 February, 1934 in Dublin, Ireland. His family was deeply associated with the republican tradition, his father being a member of the IRA during the War of Independence. O'Hanlon was educated in Dundalk, Blackrock College in Dublin and University College Dublin where he obtained a degree in medicine. O'Hanlon contested a by-election in 1973 caused by the election of Erskine Childers to the Presidency. O'Hanlon was unsuccessfulk on this occasion but was eventually elected following the 1977 General Election. In 1979 O'Hanolon supported George Colley in the Fianna Fáil leadership contest, however, Charles Haughey emerged as the victor. O'Hanlon became Minister of State at the Department of Health & Social Welfare in 1982. In 1987 Fianna Fáil returned to power and O'Hanlon was appointed Minister for Health where he earned the nickname Dr. Death.. In 1991 he became Minister for the Environment. In 1997 Dr. O'Hanlon was elected Leas-Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. Following the 2002 General Election O'Hanlon became Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann.

Rory O'Hanlon is the father of the well-known comedian Ardal O'Hanlon.

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