Father of the Dáil

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 Fathers of the Dáil are Richard Bruton and Willie O'Dea having both been first elected to the Dáil in 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
Name Entered Dáil Became Father Left Dáil Party
Frank Fahy 1918 election 4 February 1948 12 July 1953 Fianna Fáil
Éamon de Valera 23 June 1959 Fianna Fáil
Gerald Boland 1923 election 23 June 1959 4 October 1961 Fianna Fáil
James Ryan 7 April 1965 Fianna Fáil
Patrick McGilligan 7 April 1965 Fine Gael
James Everett 18 December 1967 Labour
Thomas McEllistrim 18 June 1969 Fianna Fáil
Frank Aiken 28 February 1973 Fianna Fáil
Paddy Smith 5 July 1977 Fianna Fáil
Liam Cosgrave 1943 election 5 July 1977 11 June 1981 Fine Gael
Dan Spring 11 June 1981 Labour
Oliver J. Flanagan 17 February 1987 Fine Gael
Neil Blaney Dec. 1948 by-election 17 February 1987 8 November 1995 Independent Fianna Fáil
Paddy Harte 1961 election 8 November 1995 6 June 1997 Fine Gael
Seán Treacy 6 June 1997 Labour
Séamus Pattison 14 June 2007 Labour
Enda Kenny[3] Nov. 1975 by-election 14 June 2007 14 January 2020 Fine Gael
Richard Bruton Feb. 1982 election 14 January 2020 Incumbent Fine Gael
Willie O'Dea Fianna Fáil

See also

References
  1. "Cad iad na suíocháin slán sabháilte?". 18 February 2016.
  2. 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.
  3. "Why Taoiseach Enda doesn't sound so funny". Irish Independent. 13 June 2009. Retrieved 14 June 2009.
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