22 Facts About Noel Dempsey

Noel Dempsey was born on 6 January 1953 and is an Irish former Fianna Fail politician who served as Minister for Transport from 2007 to 2011, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources from 2004 to 2007, Minister for Education and Science from 2002 to 2004, Minister for the Environment and Local Government from 1997 to 2002, Minister of State at the Department of Finance from 1993 to 1994, Minister of State at the Department of Defence and Government Chief Whip from 1992 to 1994.

Noel Dempsey served as a Teachta Dala from 1987 to 2011.

Noel Dempsey is one of twelve sons born and educated locally at Scoil Naomh Brid in Boardsmill and St Michael's CBS in Trim.

Noel Dempsey is a member of the Gaelic Athletic Association and is a keen supporter of the Meath Gaelic football team as well as his local club teams.

Noel Dempsey has been a member of Macra na Feirme and Muintir na Tire.

Noel Dempsey first became involved in politics in the early 1970s when he joined Ogra Fianna Fail, the youth wing of Fianna Fail.

Noel Dempsey later attended and spoke at the first-ever national conference of Ogra in 1973.

Noel Dempsey enhanced his local political profile at this time by serving as a member of Trim Urban District Council.

Noel Dempsey was first elected to Dail Eireann at the 1987 general election as a Fianna Fail TD for Meath.

Noel Dempsey was initially a supporter of the Fianna Fail leader Charles Haughey; however, he became disillusioned with his leadership when he led Fianna Fail into coalition with the Progressive Democrats following the 1989 general election.

Noel Dempsey was one of a number of TDs who were vehemently opposed to such a move.

In September 1991, Noel Dempsey was a key member of the so-called "gang of four" which proposed a motion of no confidence in Charles Haughey as the leader of the party.

Noel Dempsey supported Albert Reynolds in his unsuccessful bid to oust Haughey on that occasion.

In 1992, Reynolds eventually became party leader and Taoiseach and Noel Dempsey's loyalty was rewarded by being appointed Minister of State with responsibility as government Chief Whip.

Noel Dempsey took charge of the Office of Public Works.

Noel Dempsey served in these positions until the resignation of Reynolds as Taoiseach and the collapse of the Fianna Fail-Labour Party in 1994.

Noel Dempsey was appointed to the front bench as Spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government.

When Bertie Ahern became Taoiseach Noel Dempsey was appointed to the position of Minister for the Environment and Local Government.

Noel Dempsey proposed to end the 'dual mandate' whereby a person can serve as a county councillor and hold another elected office at the same time.

Noel Dempsey took over as Minister at a time when one of the teachers' unions was extremely dissatisfied with a number of pay issues.

An embarrassed Noel Dempsey was forced to hastily commission another report.

Noel Dempsey received widespread criticism across the Irish media over his January 2010 holiday in Malta and perceived lack of contactability when severe weather conditions led to massive disruption across Ireland's transport systems.