Pat the Cope Gallagher

Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher (b.March 10, 1948), is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He is a TD for Donegal South West and is currently the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources.

Pat Gallagher was born in Burtonport, County Donegal. He was educated at Roshine N.S Dungloe, Luinneach N.S. Gweedore, Dungloe High School, St Enda's College, Galway and University College, Galway where he graduated with a B.Comm. in 1970. Gallagher worked as a fish exporter until 1982, becoming involved in local politics in 1979. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1981, retaining his seat until 1997. Gallagher was appointed Minister of State for Marine & Gaeltacht in 1987, serving in that post until 1994.

In that year he was elected to the European Parliament as an MEP for Connacht/Ulster. During his period in Europe, Gallagher was a member of a number of committees including Fisheries, Economic & Monetary and Industry & Energy. He returned to domestice politics in 2002 when he was appointed Minister of State at the Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In Bertie Ahern's Cabinet reshuffle in 2004 he received his current portfolio, that of Minister for the Marine.

Pat the Cope Gallagher

See also