Paddy Donegan
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Paddy Donegan (October 29, 1923 - November 26, 2000) was an Irish Fine Gael politician.
He was educated in Christian Brothers Schools in Drogheda and Castleknock. Donegan was first elected as a Fine Gael TD in 1954. He lost his seat at the following election but reclaimed it in 1961. In the Fine Gael-Labour coalition of 1973 Donegan was appointed Minister for Defence.
In October 1976 Donegan made a contoversial speech on an official visit to a military base. He referred to President Cearbhall Ó Dálaighs refusal to sign tough anti-crime legislation as a 'thundering disgrace'. The Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave, refused Donegan's resignation. Instead Ó Dálaigh resigned as President of Ireland. The whole episode badly damaged the government's reputation. Donegan is reported to have suffered from alcoholism at the time.
In 1976 Donegan became Minister for Lands. He also had a short term as Minister for Fisheries in 1977. Donegan retired from politics in 1981.
Political Career
| Preceded by: Jerry Cronin | Minister for Defence 1973–1976 | Succeeded by: Liam Cosgrave |
| Preceded by: Tom Fitzpatrick | Minister for Lands 1976–1977 | Succeeded by: Brian Lenihan |