Gerald Boland

Gerald Boland (25 May 1885 – 5 January 1973) was a senior Irish politician. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1923 and was a founder-member of Fianna Fáil. Boland served as Minister for Posts & Telegraphs (1933–1936), Minister for Lands (1936–1939) and Minister for Justice (1939–1948 and 1951–1954).

Gerald Boland was born in Manchester on 25 May 1885 to Irish parents. Shortly after his birth, the family returned to live in Ireland. His father was killed in a fight between Parnellites and Healyites. With the money from a collection held by the Gaelic Athletic Association (Gaelic Athletic Association), Boland's mother opened a shop. Boland was educated in Dublin and became a fitter for the Midland and Great Western Railway company.

Boland joined the Irish Volunteers and fought in the Easter Rising in 1916. He was captured at the Jacob's factory and interned. In the aftermath of the Treaty Boland took the Republican side. His brother, Harry Boland was killed during the Irish Civil War. In 1923, Boland was elected as a TD for Roscommon. In 1926 he became a founder-member of Fianna Fáil. In 1933 he was appointed Minister for Posts and Telegraphs. He served as Minister for Lands in 1936. In 1939 Boland was made Minister for Justice. He introduced strong measures against the IRA including internment and military courts. Boland lost his Dáil seat in 1961 but became a member of Seanad Éireann until 1969.

When his son, Kevin Boland, resigned as a Minister in 1970 because of the Arms Crisis, Gerald Boland resigned as vice-president and trustee of Fianna Fáil.

Gerald Boland died in Dublin at the age of 87 on 5 January 1973.

References

*Oireachtas-database

ee also

*Families in the Oireachtas

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