John P. Wilson
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John P. Wilson (born July, 1923) was a senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was first elected as a Teachta Dála for Cavan-Monaghan in 1973 and served until 1993. Wilson was also appointed Minister for Education, Minister for Posts & Telegraphs, Minister for Tourism & Transport and Tánaiste among other positions.
John P. Wilson was born in Mullahoran, County Cavan in 1923. He was educated at St. Mel's College in Longford, the University of London and the National University of Ireland. He graduated with a Master of Arts and a H.Dip.Education. He was a secondary school teacher at Gonzaga College and also a university lecturer before he became involved in politics. Wilson was also a Gaelic footballer for his native county and won an All-Ireland medal with the team in 1947. He was a member of the teachers union, the ASTI and was a past president of the association.
Wilson was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1973 General Election for the constituency of Cavan and at each subsequent election until his retirement 19 years later. Although Fianna Fáil was out of power when he was elected he was still appointed to the Front Bench after just two years in the Dáil, taking the Education portfolio. In 1977 Jack Lynch was re-elected as Taoiseach and Wilson joined the Cabinet as Minister for Education. He went on to serve in every Fianna Fáil government until his retirement, serving under three Taoisigh, Jack Lynch, Charles J. Haughey and Albert Reynolds.
In 1990 Wilson challenged Brian Lenihan for the Fianna Fáil nomination for the 1990 Presidential Election. Lenihan succeeded but failed to be elected President and was also sacked from the government. Wilson was then appointed Tánaiste. He remained in the cabinet after Albert Reynolds came to power, and eventuall retired at the 1992 general election. His seat was held by Brendan Smith, his former personal assistant. Diarmuid Wilson, his nephew, is currently a member of Seanad Éireann.
Following his retirement from politics Wilson was appointed the Irish Victim Commissioner by Bertie Ahern. This position entails involvement with members of the Provisional IRA to assist in finding the bodies of the disappeared who were murdered by the Provisional IRA during the troubles.
Ministerial Career
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