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Joan Burton

Irish former politician (born 1949)

For the fictional character, see Joan Burton (Army Wives).

Joan Burton (born 1 February 1949) is an Irish former Labour Party politician who served as Tánaiste and Leader of the Labour Party from 2014 to 2016, Minister for Social Protection from 2011 to 2016, Deputy leader of the Labour Party from 2007 to 2014, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 1997 and Minister of State at the Department of Social Welfare from 1993 to 1994. She served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin West constituency from 1992 to 1997 and 2002 to 2020.[1]

Burton was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1992 general election. From 1995 to 1997, she was Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. She lost her seat at the 1997 general election but was re-elected to the Dáil at the 2002 general election.[2] She was deputy leader of the Labour Party under Eamon Gilmore, between 2007 and 2014. She was Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) from 2014 to 2016 and Minister for Social Protection from 20

Joan Burton was born in County Carlow in 1949

Joan Burton was born in County Carlow in 1949. She was, at the age of two and a half, adopted by John and Bridie Burton, whose own infant daughter had died.

The family moved to Stoneybatter, close to the city centre.

Bridie Burton instilled in Joan that she could be whatever she wanted to be. Joan was educated in Sisters of Charity Secondary School, Stanhope Street. She recalls the social justice instilled in her by the nuns. A Civics teacher in school encouraged her to apply for a Dublin Corporation scholarship.

Joan had begun work as a clerical officer when she got news that she had won a Dublin Corporation scholarship. She went in to University College Dublin with the idea of doing History and English, but she met Mr Keogh, a porter, who said to her ‘you’re going to need a job. Do commerce.’

Joan did not take part in student politics in University College Dublin. At that time, Bridie got cancer and Joan nursed her until she died while Joan was in college. When Joan left college

Joan Burton facts for kids

For the fictional character, see Joan Burton (Army Wives).

Quick facts for kids

Joan Burton

Burton in 2017

Tánaiste
In office
4 July 2014 – 6 May 2016
TaoiseachEnda Kenny
Preceded byEamon Gilmore
Succeeded byFrances Fitzgerald
Leader of the Labour Party
In office
4 July 2014 – 20 May 2016
DeputyAlan Kelly
Preceded byEamon Gilmore
Succeeded byBrendan Howlin
Minister for Social Protection
In office
9 March 2011 – 6 May 2016
TaoiseachEnda Kenny
Preceded byÉamon Ó Cuív
Succeeded byLeo Varadkar
Deputy leader of the Labour Party
In office
4 October 2007 – 4 July 2014
LeaderEamon Gilmore
Preceded byLiz McManus
Succeeded byAlan Kelly
Minister of State
1994–1997Foreign Affairs
1993–1994Social Welfare
Teachta Dála
In office
May 2002 – February 2020
In office
November 1992 – June 1997
ConstituencyDublin West
Personal details
Born(1949-02-01) 1 February 1949 (age 76)
Stoneybatter, Dublin, Ireland
Political party

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