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John Boland (Fine Gael politician)

John James Boland (30 November 1944 – 14 August 2000) was an Irish Fine Gael politician who served as Minister for Health from January 1987 to March 1987, Minister for the Environment from 1986 to 1987, Minister for the Public Service from 1982 to 1986 and Minister for Education from 1981 to 1982. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) from 1977 to 1989. He also served as a Senator for the Labour Panel from 1969 to 1977.^[1]

Boland was born in Dublin in 1944 in Terenure, Dublin, the eldest of two sons and one daughter of Charles Boland and his wife Kathleen Boland (née Whitty), both of whom were civil servants.^[2] He was educated at Synge Street CBS school and University College Dublin (UCD), where he received a Bachelor of Commerce degree. While in UCD, he served as editor of student publication, Awake.

Boland first held political office in 1967, when he was elected to Dublin County Council at age 23. He served on that authority until 1981. In 1971, he became the council's youngest ever chairperson at age 26.^[2] While a councillor, he was associated with several controversial planning decisions.^[2] In 1974, he married Catherine Kennedy; they had one son and one daughter.^[2]

Boland first ran for the Dáil Éireann at the 1969 general election, but was unsuccessful. He did secure election to Seanad Éireann on the Labour Panel, becoming the youngest ever Senator at the time.^[2] He was re-elected to the Seanad in 1973.^[2]

Boland was elected to Dáil on his third attempt at the 1977 general election as a Fine Gael TD for the Dublin County North constituency.^[3] He impressed FitzGerald with his command of the issues when canvassed by him during the 1977 Fine Gael leadership contest, subjecting him to a lengthy interrogation as to his intentions if he were to become leader of the party.^[2] On becoming leader, FitzGerald immediately appointed him to the Opposition front bench as spokesperson on Health. He later served as spokesperson on the Environment. He retained his seat at each election until losing it at the 1989 general election.

In 1981, Fine Gael formed a government with the Labour Party, with Boland becoming Minister for Education. As Minister for Education, he accomplished the landmark abolition of corporal punishment in schools.^[2]

In the 1982 critical Dublin West by-election, FitzGerald appointed Boland director of elections. The by-election was triggered by the appointment of the sitting Fine Gael TD Richard Burke to the position of European Commissioner in an attempt by the minority Fianna Fáil government to upset the then existing dáil alignment. Boland, known as a tactician, ran a meticulously planned campaign, producing a surprise victory for Fine Gael.

He later served in a range of portfolios in Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald's second government.

AsMinister for the Public Service, Boland, the son of two civil servants, saw the value in having a strong, fully functioning public service, one which the public could easily access. Despite much opposition both covert and overt from his civil servants, he set about overhauling the deeply conservative regime which existed at the time. He opened up the system so that promotion was not solely on the basis of time served but merit and outsiders could apply. At the time, civil servants did not have to give their names when dealing with the public and, more often than not, refused to. Boland changed this so that civil servants could no longer refuse to provide their names, ensuring transparency and accountability.^[4]

As Minister for Public Service, he appointed Ireland's first Ombudsman, Michael Mills.^[5]

In passing the Family Planning Act 1985, the Fine Gael/Labour Government defied the Catholic Church, to allow the sale of non-medical contraceptives. On the introduction of the bill, Boland commented "that the State is obliged to legislate for all the people, and that politicians should not succumb to pressure placed on them by church figures who are opposed to the legislation".^[6] The Act was passed by 83–80.

Boland also served under FitzGerald as Minister for the Environment. Boland was passionate about urban renewal and ensuring that communities had green spaces to enjoy. During his time on Dublin County Council and as a, TD and, later as Minister for Environment, he arranged the procurement, on behalf of the State, of Malahide Castle, Ardgillan Demense, Newbridge House and Farm,^[7] Skerries Mills and Red Island, Skerries. He also established the first National Park Strategy.^[2]

As Minister for Environment, Boland also introduced a new format for Irish vehicle registration plates. The new format indicated the year and county of origin, and the sequential number of the car.^[8]

After politics, he qualified as a barrister in 1991, and practised on the Dublin and eastern circuits.^[2] He also wrote a political column for the Sunday Business Post. After a long illness with cancer, he died on 14 August 2000.^[2]

Many people paid tribute to Boland upon his death, including, the former Fine Gael Leader and Taoiseach, John Bruton, who remarked that "he was one of the most courageous, imaginative and innovative politicians he has known". Bruton said that he was "fearless in defending his beliefs both privately and publicly". Garret FitzGerald, former Taoiseach, said that "in the history of the State no other Minister had given to the reform of the Public Service as John Boland...he humanised the face of the Civil Service, as well as introducing to its higher levels greater mobility and a promotional system".^[9] Mary Harney commented that he "was one of the brightest people ever elected"^[10] Trevor Sargent, the then leader of the Green Party, commented that he was a "pioneering reformer" and "an intellectual ambassador for Dublin North".