Senator Michael McDowell

Michael McDowell has had a distinguished career in Irish politics and law. He was appointed Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Coalition Government in June 2002, a position he held until June 2007. During this time, he also served asTánaiste from September 2006 to June 2007.

Prior to his ministerial role, he chaired significant committees, including the Working Group in Company Law Enforcement and Compliance in 1998 and the Financial Services Advisory Group in 1999. He was appointed Attorney General of Ireland in July 1999 and served until June 2002, when he became Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

McDowell’s educational background includes attending Gonzaga College, Dublin, from 1959 to 1968. He graduated with a degree in Economics and Politics from University College Dublin and qualified as a barrister in 1974, subsequently becoming a Senior Counsel in the Law Library, Dublin. In addition to his ministerial roles, he has been active in Seanad Eireann since 2016, representing graduates of the National University of Ireland. He was re-elected in 2020 and is involved in several committees, including the Justice Committee, the Committee on European Affairs, and the Committee on Procedure and Privilege.

Sponsored by: Helen and Vincent Foley