Brian Lenihan

Born in May 1959, Brian Lenihan was first elected to the Dail in 1996 in a by-election in the constituency of Dublin West caused by the death of his father

He was educated at Belvedere College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, (Foundation Scholar, First Class Hons BA mod) and Cambridge University (First Class Hons LLB), and Kings Inns. He lectured in Law at Trinity College 1984-1996. He was called to the bar in 1984 and made senior counsel in 1997.

Brian has been involved in politics all his life: His late father, also Brian Lenihan represented the constituencies of Roscommon Leitrim 1961-73 and Dublin West 1977-95. In a distinguished political career, he served as Tanaiste and a Minister in various portfolios. Brian's aunt, Mary O'Rourke is currently leader of the Seanad; she was a TD 1982-2002 and held a number of senior ministerial posts. His brother Conor, is deputy for Dublin South-West and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Brian's grandfather, Patrick Lenihan was also a Dáil deputy 1965-70.

Appointed to the new office of Minister for Children in December 2005, he had been Minister of State with special responsibility for children at the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children and Justice Equality and Law Reform since 2002. He was Chairman of the Committee on the Constitution from 1997 to 2002. Appointed Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on 14th June 2007. Appointed Minister for Finance on 7th of May 2008.