Billy Kelleher

Who is Billy Kelleher?

Billy Kelleher is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He has been a Teachta Dála for the Cork North–Central constituency since 1997.

He was educated at Sacred Heart College, Carrignavar, County Cork and Agricultural College Pallaskenrey, County Limerick. He was an unsuccessful candidate at the 1992 general election but was nominated by the Taoiseach to the 20th Seanad in 1993. Kelleher was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1997 general election and retained his seat both at the 2002 and 2007 general elections.

He was the Minister of State with special responsibility for Trade and Commerce from 2009 to 2011. He previously served as the Minister of State for Labour Affairs from 2007 to 2009. He was previously the assistant Government Chief Whip.

In January 2006 Kelleher became embroiled in a minor controversy when he was caught speeding outside Cashel, County Tipperary on his way to Dáil Éireann. He was fined and received two penalty points on his driving licence. The misdemeanour was particularly ironic as it came in the same week when the government was coming under fire for a poor road safety record.

He retained his seat at the 2011 general election, though an opinion poll from The Irish Times which had predicted that he was in danger of losing his seat.