THE NEW Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, described himself as an “overnight success after 25 years in politics” following his promotion yesterday.
Elected to Dublin City Council in 1985, Mr Carey became a Dáil deputy in 1997 on his third attempt and is one of two Fianna Fáil TDs in the Dublin North-West constituency.
He was yesterday elevated to fill the ministerial position vacated by Éamon Ó Cuív, who moves to Social Protection. Mr Carey was already entitled to sit at the Cabinet table in his previous role as Government Chief Whip.
A former teacher and vice-principal of St Finian’s School in Finglas, he was born in Castlemaine, Co Kerry. Speaking on the plinth outside Leinster House yesterday, Mr Carey said he was honoured to accept his new position.
“I’ll be 25 years in local and national politics this year. It’s a great honour for somebody who came up through the education system. A native of Kerry, I spent all my life working here in Dublin,” he said.
The unmarried 62-year-old was educated at Presentation Brothers in Milltown, Co Kerry, St Patrick’s College Drumcondra, UCD and Trinity College Dublin. He is a fluent Irish speaker.
Mr Carey is an understated performer who has defended the Government’s position robustly in media appearances, and is widely respected by TDs of all parties in the Dáil.
In June 2007, he was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and given special responsibility for the national drugs strategy.
He was appointed Minister of State at the departments of the Taoiseach and Defence in May 2008.
As the Government’s majority in Leinster House has declined in recent times, the role of Chief Whip has become increasingly challenging. His new role will include responsibility for social inclusion policy and family policy, until now under the remit of the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and for equality, disability, integration and human rights, which move from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Mr Carey said he would be working closely with marginalised communities across Ireland that have been “ravaged by issues like drugs”. He said Ireland had a vibrant community sector and he looked forward to assisting in developing that further.
