Bernard Durkan: Ireland's Longest-Serving TD

By Iarla Daly
Bernard Durkan is not only the longest-serving TD in the Dáil, but he is also one of its most colorful characters.
The Fine Gael politician, who represents the Kildare North constituency, has been a TD since 1982 and has seen it all during his time in Leinster House.
Durkan is a man of many stories and he is never afraid to share them. He has a great sense of humor and can always see the funny side of life.
However, behind the jovial exterior, there is a serious politician who is passionate about his work and his constituents.
Durkan was born in Swinford, County Mayo, in 1945. He was the youngest of seven children and grew up on a small farm.
He attended a local national school and then went on to study at University College Galway where he obtained a degree in agricultural science.
Later, he worked as a teacher and then as a farmer before entering politics.
Durkan was first elected to the Dáil in 1982 and has been re-elected ever since. He has served as a junior minister in a number of governments and is currently the Fine Gael spokesperson on Public Expenditure.
Durkan is a popular figure in Kildare North and is known for his hard work and dedication to his constituents. He is also a passionate advocate for rural Ireland.
In an interview with the Irish Times in 2018, Durkan said: “I’m a country boy at heart. I love the land and the people of rural Ireland.”
Durkan is a man of strong opinions and is not afraid to speak his mind. He is also a man of great compassion and is always willing to help those in need.
Durkan is a true character and an asset to the Dáil. He is a man of the people and always has their best interests at heart.