Preceded by John J. McGuinness Political party Fianna Fail Party Fianna Fail Nationality Irish Spouse Liza Davis | Constituency Cork North–Central Role Teachta Dala Preceded by Tony Killeen Name Billy Kelleher Succeeded by Jan O'Sullivan | |
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Constituency Nominated by the Taoiseach Born 20 January 1968 (age 56)
Cork, Ireland ( 1968-01-20 ) Office Member of Dail Eireann since 1997 | ||
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William Joseph Kelleher (born 20 January 1968) is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork North–Central constituency, upon being elected at the 1997 general election. He previously served as Minister of State for Trade and Commerce from 2009 to 2011 and Minister of State for Labour Affairs from 2007 to 2009. He was a Senator from 1993 to 1997, upon being Nominated by the Taoiseach.
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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 Leinster House. 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. He was re-elected at the 2016 general election.
He is married to Liza Davis and they have two daughters. He is a cousin of former Fine Gael TD Liam Burke.
He is the Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Health. He has called for a rise in the legal age to purchase alcohol from off-licences.