Frank Aiken

Who was Frank Aiken?

Frank Aiken was an Irish politician and a commander of the Irish Republican Army. Originally a member of Sinn Féin, he was later a founding member of Fianna Fáil. Aiken was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1923 and at each subsequent election until 1973. Aiken served as Minister for Defence, Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures, Minister for Finance and Minister for External Affairs. He also served as Minister for Lands and Fisheries. Aiken served as Tánaiste of Ireland from 1965 until 1969. He holds the distinction of being the second longest-serving member of Dáil Éireann.