15 Facts About Michael O'Higgins

Michael Joseph O'Higgins was an Irish Fine Gael politician who served as Leader of the Seanad from 1973 to 1977.

Michael O'Higgins served as a Teachta Dala from 1948 to 1951 and 1954 to 1969.

Michael O'Higgins served as a Senator from 1951 to 1954 and 1973 to 1977.

Michael O'Higgins's father was Thomas F O'Higgins, a former leader of the Blueshirts and cabinet minister.

Michael O'Higgins's uncle was Kevin O'Higgins, a cabinet minister who was assassinated in 1927.

Michael O'Higgins's brother was Tom Michael O'Higgins, a fellow TD, Minister, presidential candidate and later Chief Justice of Ireland.

Michael O'Higgins was educated at St Mary's College, Dublin, Clongowes Wood College, University College Dublin and the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

Michael O'Higgins was first elected to Dail Eireann as a Fine Gael TD for the Dublin South-West constituency at the 1948 general election.

Michael O'Higgins lost his seat at the 1951 general election, but regained it again at the 1954 election.

Michael O'Higgins retained his seat, representing the Wicklow constituency from the 1961 general election onwards, until losing it at the 1969 general election.

Michael O'Higgins was a member of Dublin City Council from 1945 to 1955, and a member of Seanad Eireann from 1951 to 1954 and from 1969 to 1977, until he retired from politics.

Michael O'Higgins served as Leader of the Seanad from 1973 to 1977.

In 1965, when James Dillon stepped down as leader of Fine Gael, Michael O'Higgins moved immediately to nominate Liam Cosgrave as the new leader in order to prevent the left-wing of the party, centring around Declan Costello, any time to organise their own campaign for the position.

Michael O'Higgins was married to Brigid Hogan-O'Higgins, a Fine Gael TD.

Michael O'Higgins married Brigid Hogan in 1958, one year after her election.