Brendan Howlin

Brendan Howlin (born 9 May 1956) is an Irish Labour Party politician who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Wexford constituency since 1987. He previously served as Leader of the Labour Party from 2016 to 2020, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform from 2011 to 2016, Leas-Cheann Comhairle from 2007 to 2011, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party from 1997 to 2002, Minister for the Environment from 1994 to 1997 and Minister for Health from 1993 to 1994. He was a Senator from 1983 to 1987, after being nominated by the Taoiseach.[1][2]

Brendan Howlin TD
Leader of the Labour Party
In office 20 May 2016 – 3 April 2020
Preceded by	Joan Burton
Succeeded by	Alan Kelly
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
In office 9 March 2011 – 6 May 2016
Taoiseach	Enda Kenny
Preceded by	New office
Succeeded by	Paschal Donohoe
Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann
In office 26 June 2007 – 9 March 2011
Ceann Comhairle	John O'Donoghue Seamus Kirk
Preceded by	Séamus Pattison
Succeeded by	Michael Kitt
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
In office 13 November 1997 – 25 October 2002
Leader	Ruairi Quinn
Preceded by	Ruairi Quinn
Succeeded by	Liz McManus
Minister for the Environment
In office 14 December 1994 – 26 June 1997
Taoiseach	John Bruton
Preceded by	Michael Smith
Succeeded by	Noel Dempsey
Minister for Health
In office 12 January 1993 – 17 November 1994
Taoiseach	Albert Reynolds
Preceded by	John O'Connell
Succeeded by	Michael Woods
Teachta Dála
Incumbent
Assumed office February 1987
Constituency	Wexford
Senator
In office 21 February 1983 – 17 February 1987
Constituency	Nominated by the Taoiseach
Personal details
Born	9 May 1956 Wexford, Ireland
Nationality	Irish
Political party	Labour Party
Alma mater	St Patrick's College, Dublin
Website	brendanhowlin.ie

Early life

Born into a highly political family in Wexford, Howlin is the son of John and Molly Howlin (née Dunbar), and named after Brendan Corish, the local Labour TD and future leader of the Labour Party. Howlin's father was a trade union official who served as secretary of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, in Wexford, for 40 years. He also secured election as a Labour member of Wexford Corporation, where he served for eighteen years, and was also election agent to Brendan Corish. Howlin's mother was also strongly involved in local Labour politics.[3]

Howlin grew up in Wexford town and was educated locally at Wexford CBS. He later attended St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin, and qualified as a primary school teacher.[2] During his career as a teacher he was active in the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, before embarking on a career in full-time politics.

Political career

Early years (1982–1993)

Howlin contested his first general election at the November 1982 election. He ran as a Labour candidate in the Wexford constituency, but despite the existence of a large left-wing vote in the area, Howlin was not elected.[4] In spite of this setback, a Fine Gael-Labour Party coalition government came to power and he was nominated by the Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald to serve in Seanad Éireann as a Senator.[1]

Howlin secured election to Wexford County Council in 1985 and served as Mayor of Wexford in 1986.

In 1987, the Labour Party withdrew from the coalition government and a general election was called. Howlin once again contested a seat in Wexford and was elected to Dáil Éireann.[4] Labour were out of office as a Fianna Fáil government took office. In spite of his recent entry to the Dáil, Howlin was subsequently named Chief Whip of the Labour Party, a position he held until 1993.

Cabinet minister (1993–1997)

The 1992 general election resulted in a hung Dáil once again; however, the Labour Party enjoyed their best result to date at the time. After negotiations, a Fianna Fáil-Labour Party coalition government came to office. Howlin joined the cabinet of Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, as Minister for Health. During his tenure the development of a four-year health strategy, the identifying of HIV/AIDS prevention as a priority and the securing of a £35 million investment in childcare were advanced. Howlin, however, was also targeted by anti-abortion groups after introducing an act which would allow information regarding abortion.

In 1994, the Labour Party withdrew from government after a disagreement over the appointment of Attorney General Harry Whelehan as a Judge of the High Court and President of the High Court. However, no general election was called and, while it was hoped that the coalition could be revived under the new Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern, the arithmetic of the Dáil now allowed the Labour Party to open discussions with other opposition parties. After negotiations a Rainbow Coalition came to power involving Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left. In John Bruton's cabinet, he became Minister for the Environment.

Leadership contender (1997)

Following the 1997 general election, a Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition government came to power and the Labour Party returned to the opposition benches. In the announcement of the party's new front bench, Howlin retained responsibility for the Environment.

In late 1997, Dick Spring resigned as leader of the Labour Party and Howlin immediately threw his hat into the ring in the subsequent leadership election. In a choice between Howlin and Ruairi Quinn, the former gained some early support; however, the leadership eventually went to Quinn by a significant majority. As a show of unity Howlin was later named deputy leader of the party and retained his brief as Spokesperson for the Environment and Local Government.

Leadership contender (2002)

In 2002, following Quinn's resignation as party leader after Labour's relatively unsuccessful 2002 general election campaign, Howlin again stood for the party leadership.[5] For the second time in five years Howlin was defeated for the leadership of the party, this time by Pat Rabbitte, who was formerly a leading figure in Democratic Left.[6] Howlin was succeeded as deputy leader by Liz McManus.

While having been publicly supportive of Rabbitte's leadership, he was perceived as being the leader of the wing of the party which was sceptical of Rabbitte's policy with regard to future coalition with Fianna Fáil. Rabbitte explicitly ruled out any future coalition with Fianna Fáil, instead forming a formal alliance with Fine Gael in the run-up to the 2007 general election (the so-called Mullingar Accord).

Leas-Cheann Comhairle (2007–2011)

On 26 June 2007, Howlin was appointed the Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy chairman) of Dáil Éireann.[1]

Cabinet minister (2011–2016)

Howlin (front left) in 2013.

After the 2011 general election, Fine Gael and the Labour Party formed a government, Howlin was appointed to the new office of Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In May 2011, he said that over the next 20 years the number of people in Ireland over 65 is set to increase by almost half a million, a situation that could see the annual health budget soar – rising by €12.5 billion in the next decade alone. While reform was a major part of government attempts "to regain full sovereignty over economic policy", Howlin told a meeting of the Association of Chief Executives of State Agencies they would in any event face key "imperatives" in coming years. He said a new public spending review, on which he had briefed the cabinet in recent days, would not be a simple assessment of where to make cuts, but would also consider the way public sector services were delivered. Howlin reiterated the government's commitment not to cut public sector pay, "if the Croke Park Agreement works". "These are just some of the challenges that our society is facing in the coming decade – crisis or no crisis. In the good times, tackling them was going to be difficult. Today, in these difficult times, tackling them is going to be imperative." Howlin said Ireland was facing a profound and complex economic crisis "where we are fighting a battle on three fronts – mass unemployment, a major failure in banking, and a fiscal crisis".[7]

Analysis of budgets

Budgets 2012 to 2016 - introduced in part by Brendan Howlin as Minister for Public Expenditure and supported by Labour[8] - were described by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) as "regressive".

It found "Budget 2012 involved greater proportionate losses for those on low incomes: reductions of about 2 to 2½ per cent for those with the lowest incomes, as against losses of about ¾ of a per cent for those on the highest incomes".

By contrast, the ESRI found earlier budgets in 2008-2010 to be "strongly progressive" because before 2011 "Losses imposed by policy changes in tax and welfare have been greatest for those on the highest incomes, and smaller for those on low incomes".[9]

However, it concluded "Budget 2014 had its greatest impact – a reduction of 2 per cent – on low income groups".[10] The ESRI described Budget 2015 as having a "pattern of losses in the bottom half of the income distribution, declining as income rises, and gains in the upper reaches", which "can clearly be described as regressive".[11]

Labour Party leadership (2016–2020)

Howlin retained his seat in the Dáil following the 2016 general election, though only six of his Labour colleagues did likewise and the party returned to the opposition benches. Following the resignation of Joan Burton, Howlin contested the 2016 Labour Party leadership election unopposed and was elected Leader of the Labour Party on 20 May 2016.

Criticism of the Taoiseach for failing to invite Howlin to meet ambulance crews

In March 2018, Howlin criticised Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for failing to personally invite him to accompany Varadkar as he met ambulance crews in Howlin's constituency of Wexford. Varadkar replied that he had been far too busy dealing with the recent weather crisis and Brexit "to organise invitations to Deputies personally in order that they [Howlin] felt included".[12] It was separately said of Howlin's complaint "It appears that the Taoiseach, the chief executive of the State, needs the imprimatur of local politicians when he enters their bailiwick, and needs to be accompanied and monitored by those same politicians while he is in their realm."[13]

Leadership challenge

Alan Kelly challenged Howlin for the party leadership in 2018, stating that he had failed to 'turn the ship around'. Howlin stated that Kelly's comments were a disappointing and unnecessary distraction. Howlin also said that there was not a single parliamentary party member that supported the challenge and that Kelly had the backing of a minority of councillors. Howlin told The Irish Times that there was no formal proposition made to the Central Council (which would deal with any formal leadership challenge).[14]

2020 general election

In September 2018, Howlin stated that winning 14 seats in the 33rd Dail was a realistic goal.[15][16] During the campaign in 2020, Howlin stated that his wish to end the U.S.A's use of Shannon airport for military related activities.[17] In the 2020 general election party first preference vote dropped to 4.4% of first preference votes and returned 6 seats - a record low.[18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Howlin announced his intention to step down as leader on the 12 February 2020. He also said that the Labour Party should not formally enter government, a view that was backed by the parliamentary party.[25][26] He also stated that he would not back any candidate in the following contest.[27] On 15 February 2020, Howlin ruled himself out as a candidate for Ceann Comhairle of the 33rd Dail, with the polling day to elect his successor set for 3 April 2020.[28]

Personal life

Howlin is a single man. He has spoken publicly of receiving hate mail relating to his private life and questioning his sexual orientation.[29] In an interview with The Star during the 2002 Labour Party leadership contest, in response to repeated speculation, he announced he was "not gay".

References

1. "Brendan Howlin". Oireachtas Members Database. Retrieved 12 June 2008.
2. "Profile of Brendan Howlin". Labour Party website. Retrieved 12 June 2008.
3. "Family was most important thing in life of Molly Howlin". Wexford People. 18 December 2003. Retrieved 12 June 2008.
4. "Brendan Howlin". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 9 January 2007.
5. "Howlin throws hat into Labour leadership ring". Irish Examiner. 11 September 2002. Retrieved 9 January 2007.
6. Senan Molony (26 October 2002). "Victorious Rabbitte aims to increase party's appeal". Irish Independent. Retrieved 9 January 2007.
7. O'Brien, Tim (14 April 2011). "Public service reform necessary – Howlin". The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 April 2011.
8. Mary Minihan (7 December 2011). "Noonan, Howlin defend budget cuts". Retrieved 14 December 2017.
9. Tim Callan, Claire Keane, Michael Savage and John R. Walsh (24 February 2012). "Distributional Impact of Tax, Welfare and Public Sector Pay Policies: 2009‐2012" (PDF). Retrieved 4 November 2017.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
10. Tim Callan, Claire Keane, Michael Savage and John R. Walsh (12 December 2013). "Distributional Impact of Tax, Welfare and Public Service Pay Policies: Budget 2014 and Budgets 2009-2014" (PDF). Retrieved 4 November 2017.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
11. Claire Keane, Tim Callan, Michael Savage, John R. Walsh and Brian Colgan (12 December 2014). "Distributional Impact of Tax, Welfare and Public Service Pay Policies: Budget 2015 and Budgets 2009-2015" (PDF). Retrieved 4 November 2017.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
12. Marie O'Halloran (6 March 2018). "Taoiseach too busy over weather to worry about 'egos of politicians'". Retrieved 10 March 2018.
13. Mary Morrissey (8 March 2018). "Taoiseach's trip to Wexford". Retrieved 10 March 2018.
14. McGee, Harry. "Labour's Brendan Howlin dismisses Alan Kelly's challenge to his leadership". The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
15. Monday; September 17; Am, 2018-11:35 (17 September 2018). "Latest: Labour party are now united, says Brendan Howlin". www.irishexaminer.com. Retrieved 14 February 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
16. "'Controlling forces' - Labour leader Howlin rules out working with Sinn Féin in next government". independent. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
17. Brent, Harry. "Irish Labour leader looks to end US military's use of Shannon Airport". The Irish Post. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
18. "Brendan Howlin says Fianna Fail or Fine Gael 'must be part of new government'". Extra.ie. 13 February 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
19. Leahy, Pat; McDonagh, Marese. "Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin announces resignation". The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
20. "Ó Riordain, Kelly and Nash among the early frontrunners as Brendan Howlin resigns as Labour leader". Breaking News. 12 February 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
21. MacGuill, Dan. "Labour just had the worst election in its 104-year history". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
22. Cunningham, Paul (12 February 2020). "Howlin won't back any candidate in Labour race". Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
23. "Howlin stepping down as Labour leader". RTÉ. 12 February 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
24. Regan, Mary (12 February 2020). "Brendan Howlin: From union activist to Labour leader". Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
25. Hennessy, Michelle. "Brendan Howlin to step down as leader of the Labour Party". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
26. McNeice, Stephen. "Labour's Brendan Howlin to resign as party leader". Newstalk. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
27. Cunningham, Paul (12 February 2020). "Howlin won't back any candidate in Labour race". Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
28. Horgan-Jones, Jack. "Labour's Brendan Howlin will not seek to be next Ceann Comhairle". The Irish Times. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
29. Moloney, Senan (14 September 2002). "Labour hopeful Gilmore waits for last moment to make his bid". Irish Independent. Retrieved 14 September 2002.

External links

• Official website
• Brendan Howlin's page on the Labour Party website