Mark Killilea, Jnr

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Mark Killilea, Jnr (born 5 September 1939) was an Irish Fianna Fáil party politician. In a 30-year political career, served as a Teachta Dála and Member of the European Parliament.

Mark Killilea was born in Tuam, County Galway in 1939. He is the son of Mark Killilea, Sr., a sitting Fianna Fáil TD and a founder-member of the party. Killilea Jnr was educated locally before becoming involved in politics in 1969 when he was elected to Galway County Council. He failed to be elected to Dáil Éireann on his first attempt in 1973, but succeeded four years later at the 1977 general election. The entire election proved to be a landslide for Fianna Fáil and in particular showed the popularity of the party leader and Taoiseach, Jack Lynch. However, after just two years Lynch's fortunes had changed.

Together with Jackie Fahey, Tom McEllistrim, Jnr, Seán Doherty and Albert Reynolds he formed the so-called "gang of five" that lobbied the parliamentary party for support for Charles Haughey in the event of the retirement of Jack Lynch. This group was determined that the leadership should not pass to George Colley, Lynch's apparent successor. Haughey went on to win the leadership contest and became Taoiseach in December 1979.

Killilea's loyalty was rewarded by being appointed Minister of State at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. He held this position until 1981. After changes in his constituency boundaries, Killilea lost his Dáil seat at the February 1982 general election. After Ray MacSharry retired from the European Parliament in 1987, Killilea was appointed as his replacement. Killilea held the seat with ease through 2 European Elections until he retired from politics in 1999.