Michael O'Higgins

Michael Joseph O'Higgins (1st November 1917 – 9th March 2005) was an Irish politician who served as a member of the Oireachtas for nearly thirty years.

O'Higgins was born in 1917 in Kildare and educated in St. Mary’s College, Rathmines, Clongowes Wood College and the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1948 general election as a Fine Gael Teachta Dála for the constituency of Dublin South West. He lost his seat in the 1951 general election but regained it again at the 1954 election. O'Higgins retained his seat, representing Wicklow from the 1961 election onwards, until losing the 1969 general election. He was a member of Dublin City Council and a member of Seanad Éireann from 1951 to 1954 and from 1969 to 1977 when he retired from politics. He served as leader of the Seanad from 1973 to 1977.

O'Higgins came from a famed Irish political dynasty. His father was Thomas F. O'Higgins, a former leader of the Blueshirts and Cabinet Minister. His uncle was Kevin O'Higgins, the assassinated Cabinet Minister from the 1920s. O'Higgins's brother was Tom O'Higgins, a fellow Teachta Dála and Presidential candidate in 1966 and 1973. O'Higgins, his father, and his brother hold the distinction of all being elected Members of the 13th Dáil in 1948. He was married to Brigid Hogan O'Higgins, also a TD.

This page incorporates information from the Oireachtas Members Database

Searching reference...