Ray MacSharry

Ray MacSharry is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament and European Commissioner. He was born in Sligo and educated at Summerhill College and University College Galway. MacSharry's early life was influenced by his family's involvement in Irish politics, with his father being a member of the Seanad Éireann. He was also involved in various organizations, including the Irish Farmers' Association and the National Farmers' Association.

● Early Life and Education

MacSharry's educational background includes studying at University College Galway, where he was active in the University College Galway Students' Union. He also attended Institute of Public Administration and was a member of the Knights of St. Columbanus. MacSharry's early interests included Gaelic football and hurling, and he played for the Sligo GAA team. He was also involved in the Irish language movement and was a member of the Gaelic League. MacSharry's family was influenced by the Irish War of Independence and the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which shaped his political views.

● Career

MacSharry's career began in the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, where he worked alongside Patrick Hillery and Jack Lynch. He later became involved in Irish politics and was elected to the Dáil Éireann as a member of Fianna Fáil. MacSharry served under Taoiseach Charles Haughey and worked closely with other politicians, including Bertie Ahern and Albert Reynolds. He was also a member of the Joint Committee on European Affairs and worked with the European Parliament.

● European Commissioner

As a European Commissioner, MacSharry played a key role in shaping the Common Agricultural Policy alongside Jacques Delors and Frans Andriessen. He worked closely with other commissioners, including Leon Brittan and Karel Van Miert, to implement policies such as the MacSharry Reform. MacSharry's work as a commissioner had a significant impact on the European Union and its policies, particularly in the areas of agriculture and trade. He also worked with the European Commission to implement the Maastricht Treaty and the Treaty of Rome.

● Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the European Commission, MacSharry returned to Ireland and became involved in various business and charitable organizations, including the Irish Business and Employers Confederation and the Chamber of Commerce of Ireland. He also served as a director of several companies, including Bank of Ireland and Aer Lingus. MacSharry's legacy as a politician and commissioner continues to be felt, with his work on the Common Agricultural Policy remaining influential in the European Union. He has also been recognized for his contributions to Irish politics and has received awards from organizations such as the Royal Dublin Society.

● Political Career

MacSharry's political career spanned several decades and included roles in the Dáil Éireann, the Seanad Éireann, and the European Parliament. He worked alongside other prominent politicians, including Garret FitzGerald and Dick Spring, to shape Irish politics and the European Union. MacSharry's experience as a European Commissioner and his work on the Common Agricultural Policy have had a lasting impact on the European Union and its policies. He has also been involved in various organizations, including the European People's Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe. MacSharry's contributions to Irish politics and the European Union continue to be recognized, with his legacy as a politician and commissioner remaining significant. Category:Irish politicians