18 Facts About Billy Kelleher

William Kelleher was born on 20 January 1968 and is an Irish politician who has been a Member of the European Parliament from Ireland for the South constituency since July 2019.

Billy Kelleher is a member of Fianna Fail, part of Renew Europe.

Billy Kelleher previously served Minister of State for Trade and Commerce from 2009 to 2011 and Minister of State for Labour Affairs from 2007 to 2009.

Billy Kelleher was a Teachta Dala for the Cork North-Central constituency from 1997 to 2019.

Billy Kelleher was a Senator from 1993 to 1997, having been nominated by the Taoiseach.

Billy Kelleher was educated at Sacred Heart College, Carrignavar, County Cork and third level at Pallaskenry Agricultural College, County Limerick.

Billy Kelleher is a cousin of the late Fine Gael TD Liam Burke.

Billy Kelleher was an unsuccessful candidate at the 1992 general election, missing out by 25 votes, but was nominated by the Taoiseach Albert Reynolds to the 20th Seanad in 1993.

Billy Kelleher was first elected to Dail Eireann at the 1997 general election and retained his seat at the 2002,2007,2011 and 2016 general elections.

Billy Kelleher was Minister of State with special responsibility for Trade and Commerce from 2009 to 2011.

Billy Kelleher previously served as the Minister of State for Labour Affairs from 2007 to 2009.

Billy Kelleher had called for a rise in the legal age to purchase alcohol from off-licences.

Billy Kelleher acted as Fianna Fail's director of elections in 2016.

In December 1992, lawyers for Billy Kelleher claimed that the election count in Cork North-Central did not select, as required by regulations, votes from the top of each sub-parcel.

In January 2006, Billy Kelleher became embroiled in a minor controversy when he was caught speeding outside Cashel, County Tipperary on his way to Leinster House in Dublin.

Billy Kelleher was fined and received two penalty points on his driving licence.

Billy Kelleher retained his seat at the 2011 general election, though an opinion poll from The Irish Times had predicted that he was in danger of losing his seat.

Billy Kelleher travelled with Fianna Fail senator Timmy Dooley to Poland and Ukraine.