Cosgrave, Liam

William Michael (Liam) Cosgrave (1920-2017) was leader of the Fine Gael Party from 1965 to 1977. He served as Taoiseach from 1973 to 1977. He was a TD from 1943 to 1981.

Liam was born in Dublin and is the son of WT Cosgrave, the first President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State. Liam qualified as a barrister, pursued a career in politics and was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1943. He became a member of the cabinet in 1954 when he was appointed to the position of Minister for External Affairs. It was during his tenure as Minister for External Affairs that Ireland became a member of the United Nations. He succeeded James Dillon as Fine Gael leader in 1965. In 1973 he became Taoiseach in the Fine Gael-Labour coalition government. He retired as leader of Fine Gael in 1977 and as a TD for Dún Laoghaire in 1981. His seat was taken by his son Liam T Cosgrave. 

Liam Cosgrave died on 4 October 2017.