Lenihan, Brian Joseph

▪ 1996

      Irish politician (b. Nov. 17, 1930, Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland—d. Nov. 1, 1995, Dublin, Ireland), was a leading member of the Fianna Fail party for more than 30 years, notably while serving as Ireland's deputy prime minister (1987-90) and as foreign minister three times. Though Lenihan was expected to win the 1990 presidential election in keeping with the Fianna Fail party's historic domination of that contest, he narrowly lost to coalition candidate Mary Robinson, partly owing to alleged political wrongdoing in 1982. Lenihan grew up in Athlone and moved to Dublin to attend University College and study law at King's Inns. After practicing law for a short time, he was elected to the Seanad (Senate) in 1957 and to the Dail (House of Representatives) in 1961. Well regarded for his affable manner, he was seen as one of the rising stars of the Fianna Fail party, along with his ally Charles Haughey—later prime minister—whom he succeeded as minister of justice in 1964. In this position Lenihan softened the nation's strict censorship laws. He then held successive ministerial posts in education, transportation, foreign affairs, and fisheries before serving in Haughey's Cabinet as foreign minister (1979-81, 1987-89), minister of agriculture (1982), and minister of defense (1989-90). As foreign minister Lenihan attempted to stabilize relations with Britain and with Northern Ireland during a series of crises. In 1990 his party nominated him as its candidate for the presidency, and he was an early favourite despite poor health (he had received a liver transplant in 1989). Following his defeat, he remained active in foreign affairs and domestic politics, helping to form a coalition between the Fianna Fail and Labour parties in 1992. He also wrote book reviews and articles on Irish history.

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