Michael Keating (Irish politician)

For other people named Michael Keating, see Michael Keating (disambiguation).

Michael Keating (born 29 September 1946) is a former Irish politician.

Early life

Michael Keating was born in Dublin in 1946. He was educated at the Christian Brothers O'Connell School, University College Dublin and St. Patrick's College in Maynooth where he received a Bachelor of Arts. He worked as a secondary school teacher before becoming involved in politics.

Political activity

He unsuccessfully contested the 1973 general election for Fine Gael but became a member of Dublin City Council in 1974. He became Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1983. He was successful in his second attempt at the 1977 general election elected for Dublin North–Central (Dublin Central from 1981). He was later appointed Opposition spokesperson on urban affairs.

Minister of State

In 1981 Fine Gael came to power in a coalition government and Keating was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Education. His portfolio was youth and sport. He remained in that position until 1982. It was the only time that he held ministerial office.

Progressive Democrats

In 1986 Keating left Fine Gael to join the newly formed Progressive Democrats and became Deputy leader of the party. He won one of 14 seats for them in the 1987 general election. He retired from politics in 1989 to concentrate on his business interests.

Alleged fraud

Keating paid €250,000 to the Criminal Assets Bureau for unpaid tax. The Bureau had been investigating Keating's affairs for more than three years. Keating was also named in a British court two years ago as a partner in crime in a £20m sterling VAT fraud.

References

Civic offices
Preceded by Daniel Browne	Lord Mayor of Dublin 1983–1984	Succeeded by Michael O'Halloran