John Boland

Who was John Boland?

John J. Boland was an Irish Fine Gael politician.

John Boland was born in Dublin in 1944. He was educated at Synge Street Christian Brothers School and University College Dublin where he received a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Boland first became involved in politics in 1967 when he was elected to Dublin County Council. He served on that authority until 1981. Boland first ran for the Dáil Éireann at the 1969 general election, however, he was unsuccessful. He did secure election to Seanad Éireann on the Labour Panel, becoming the youngest ever Senator at the time. He was re-elected to the Seanad in 1973.

Boland was eventually elected to Dáil on his third attempt at the 1977 general election as a Fine Gael Teachta Dála for the Dublin County North constituency. He retained his seat at each eelection until losing it at the 1989 general election. Boland was immediately appointed to the Opposition front bench as spokesperson on Health. He later served as spokesperson on the Environment. In 1981 Fine Gael formed a government with the Labour Party, with Boland becoming Minister for Education. He later served in a range of portfolios in Garret FitzGerald's second government, including Minister for the Public Service.