WITH TODAY MARKING 100 years since the birth of former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald, Fine Gael has announced it will be commemorating the late politician with a “summer centenary event”.

FitzGerald was born on 9 February 1926, and held an illustrious career in economics outside of his political ambitions.

His father, Desmond FitzGerald, was an Irish revolutionary and later a founding member of the Fine Gael party who served in several ministerial roles throughout his time in Government.

The younger FitzGerald trained as a barrister but began work at Aer Lingus as an administrative assistant, later taking on responsibility for economic planning and transport scheduling within the airline.

He also worked as a freelance journalist during this time and was a regular contributor to The Irish Times, and later wrote for The Economist and The Financial Times. He also lectured in economics at UCD.

After a term spent as a senator, in 1969, he stood for election to the Dáil as a Fine Gael candidate. Upon his election to represent Dublin South-East, was appointed to the party’s front bench. After the 1973 general election, he was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

By 1977, he was leader of the party, filling in the shoes of Liam Cosgrave who had resigned under the shadow of a heavy general election defeat.

FitzGerald served two terms as Taoiseach: 1981-82, and 1982-87. 

Garret FitzGerald shakes the hand of Britain's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher after signing the Anglo-Irish agreement at Hillsborough House, near Belfast, Northern Ireland, in November 1985. AP Photo / Peter Kemp AP Photo / Peter Kemp / Peter Kemp

In 1987, FitzGerald’s coalition Government with Labour fell amidst a coalition breakdown and an unsuccessful referendum to remove the constitutional ban on divorce, as well as the burden of economic turndown. He resigned as leader after the general election, which saw his party cede to Fianna Fáil.

He ultimately left the Dáil in 1992 and worked both as a journalist and in varying consultancy jobs.

He died at the age of 85 on 19 May 2011 after suffering from pneumonia. 

Today, Fine Gael described him as “one of the most influential political figures of his generation”, and commended his work laying the groundwork for the peace process.

“The summer centenary event will celebrate FitzGerald’s life, legacy, and contribution to public service, diplomacy, and national renewal,” the party said.

Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris described FitzGerald as a “true reformer” and said as a result of his work, “Ireland is a better, more open, more inclusive and more confident society.”

FitzGerald’s son Mark said on the anniversary: “He adored his family, but his parallel love was public service. Even in his final illness, he was still writing about the need for a better and fairer Ireland.

“His passion for Europe, for peace in the North, and for the whole of Ireland defined his life’s work. We still miss him, but we will never forget him.”

The 2026 Fine Gael membership card also features Garret FitzGerald, in honour of the centenary.