Charles Flanagan, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs (2014-2017) and Justice (2017-2020) and current member of parliament in Dail Eireann, will deliver a public lecture on the changing political and economic landscape on the island of Ireland. Reflecting on his experience as a party spokesperson and parliamentary committee chair in the areas of foreign affairs, European affairs, defense, and Northern Ireland affairs, Flanagan will share his perspectives on the future of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and Ireland’s relationships with the United Kingdom, European Union, and the United States.
About the Speaker
Charlie Flanagan is a member of Dail Eireann representing the Laois/Offaly constituency. He is the Chair of the all-party parliamentary Committee on Foreign affairs and Defence. He is currently Fine Gael party spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Defence.
First elected in 1987, he has served in many senior positions in the Fine Gael party including party Chief Whip, party Chairman and party spokesman on Foreign Affairs, Justice, Enterprise & Employment and spokesperson on Northern Ireland Affairs. He served as Chair of the all-party parliamentary committee on justice and security.
He served as Minister for Foreign Affairs 2014-2017 and represented the Irish government at talks leading to the Stormont House Agreement 2014 and Fresh Start Agreement 2015. He was Minister for Justice 2017-2020 and published the landmark report on the Commission of Future of Policing in Ireland. He has served as Vice Chair of the British/Irish interparliamentary body established under the Anglo/Irish agreement of 1985.
He is a Director of Co-operation Ireland, an all island Peace building organisation working to build a shared, cohesive and stable society on the island of Ireland.
A solicitor by profession, he practised law for many years and he lives in Portlaoise with his wife Mary and has two adult daughters.