42-664: Result The Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Act 2012 (previously bill no. 23 of 2012) amended the Constitution of Ireland to permit Ireland to ratify the 2012 European Fiscal Compact and to preclude measures taken under the Compact from being held to be inconsistent with the Irish constitution . It
84-471: A by-election , caused by the death of his father in 1998. Although he was a strong supporter of party leader John Bruton , he remained on the backbenches for a number of years. At the 1999 local elections , he was elected to Cork County Council for the Carrigaline area. In 2001, discipline in the parliamentary party broke down and Coveney came out against Bruton in a leadership heave. His loss of support
126-687: A "strong anti-treaty campaign" to stop what he described as a pact that would worsen the Irish government's "terrible policy of austerity." Independent TD Shane Ross called for the Irish people to reject the treaty as "the only way to stop a process that would end in Ireland's surrender of economic decision-making." The United Left Alliance also campaigned for a No vote in the 2012 European Fiscal Compact referendum. On 29 February 2012, Éamon Ó Cuív resigned as Fianna Fáil 's Deputy leader and Communications spokesperson due to dissatisfaction with his party's position on
168-525: A BSc in Agriculture and Land Management from Royal Agricultural College , Gloucestershire . In 1997–1998, he led the Sail Chernobyl Project, which involved sailing a boat 30,000 miles around the world and raising €650,000 for charity. He spent several years working as an agriculture adviser and farm manager. Coveney was elected to the 28th Dáil as a Fine Gael candidate for Cork South-Central in
210-633: A High Court challenge to the Irish European Fiscal Compact referendum. He asked the High Court to check the legality of the referendum as the fiscal treaty is intertwined with the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) treaty and an amendment to another treaty. On 27 May, Taoiseach Enda Kenny appealed to voters to support the referendum in order to contribute to a recovery from Ireland's financial crisis. "This treaty strengthens
252-563: A by-election following the death of his father Hugh Coveney . He also served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the South constituency from 2004 to 2007. Coveney was born in Cork in 1972 to Hugh Coveney and Pauline Coveney. He has 5 brothers and 1 sister. His father was a chartered quantity surveyor and later a TD , and also a member of one of the famous merchant families in
294-580: A farmer in the audience who was advocating a No vote. A 45-minute debate, this time "strictly marshalled" by Richard Crowley , was held on Prime Time on 29 May 2012. Fianna Fáil director of elections Timmy Dooley and Labour's Joan Burton represented "Yes", while the Socialist Party's Clare Daly and Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald represented "No". Following Richard Bruton 's gaffe on live radio (see below), Joan Burton declined repeated attempts to have her say whether Labour would agree to
336-605: A meeting of the Bilderberg Group , in Copenhagen . On 11 July 2014, in a cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Eamon Gilmore as Tánaiste , Coveney was given an additional appointment as Minister for Defence . In August 2015, he launched a White Paper on Defence. On 17 June 2015, Coveney questioned the judgment of an experienced Air Corps pilot who refused to fly him to Cork, because of predicted fog. In email correspondence between Department of Defence officials,
378-413: A number of other front bench members stated that they had no confidence in their party leader , Enda Kenny. Kenny won a motion of confidence in his leadership. Coveney was re-appointed to the front bench as Spokesperson on Transport. Following the 2011 general election , Kenny led a Fine Gael–Labour Party coalition government. On 9 March 2011, Coveney was appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food and
420-524: A political scandal relating to the appointment of former Independent TD Katherine Zappone , who had served in cabinet with Coveney, as a special envoy to the UN. During a cabinet meeting of the coalition government, Coveney proposed Zappone for the role without having previously discussed the matter with Taoiseach Micheál Martin . Martin expressed concerns about the appointment but ultimately allowed it. Subsequently, it emerged that Coveney had not advertised or offered
462-470: A second referendum in the event of the "No" side prevailing. On 19 April 2012, the government launched a website offering information about the treaty. Having claimed that this was a neutral source of information, the government came under pressure to remove some content from the site which explicitly called for a Yes vote. When questioned why, in light of the ruling in the Patricia McKenna case that it
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#1732859076328504-491: Is an Irish former Fine Gael politician who served as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 2022 to 2024. He served as deputy leader of Fine Gael from 2017 to 2024. He has been in the cabinet since 2011, holding a range of ministerial portfolios, including as Tánaiste from 2017 to 2020. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork South-Central constituency from 1998 to 2024, having been elected in
546-525: Is there an obligation on those subject to Freedom of Information to retain such information". On 15 September, upon the return of the Dáil from a summer recess, a motion of no confidence was brought forward by Sinn Féin against Coveney as a direct result of the Zappone appointment and his subsequent handling of the affair in the aftermath of the details becoming public. Coveney survived the motion 92 votes to 59, with
588-495: The 2007 general election . He was successful in being returned to the Dáil, and as a result, was required to step down as an MEP. He was replaced in the European Parliament by Colm Burke . Fine Gael won back many of the seats that the party had lost five years earlier; however, they remained in opposition. Coveney returned to the party's front bench as Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. In June 2010, Coveney and
630-716: The European People's Party (EPP) Justice and Home Affairs Ministers Meeting, alongside Esteban González Pons . On 30 November 2017, following the resignation from cabinet of Frances Fitzgerald , Varadkar named Coveney as the new Tánaiste . According to Lawrence Franklin of the Gatestone Institute , within the Irish government, Coveney opposed the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill to ban goods produced in Israeli settlements . He has expressed concern that
672-625: The Irish backstop in the Brexit withdrawal agreement will not be changed. He said the backstop was already a pragmatic compromise between the United Kingdom and the European Union to avoid infrastructure on the Irish border, that there was no sensible legally-sound alternative to the backstop, and that the European Parliament would not ratify a Brexit withdrawal agreement without the backstop in it. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, Coveney headed up
714-509: The Air Corps is described as being "very unhappy" about the incident and indicating that they had never received such a call in 25 years". In January 2017 it emerged that a number of Air Corps whistleblowers had attempted to contact Coveney while he was defence minister over their concerns about the adverse health impacts of chemicals used to service the force's aircraft. The whistleblowers had complained about being unable to speak to Coveney about
756-518: The Defence portfolio and Michael Creed becoming the new Minister for Agriculture. Following the resignation of Enda Kenny as party leader, Coveney contested the leadership election . On 2 June 2017, Coveney lost to Leo Varadkar , although he had gaining the support of 65% of party members (party members only had 25% of the vote in Fine Gael's electoral college). On 13 June 2017, Varadkar appointed Coveney
798-615: The Marine . He attended his first meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers , in Brussels on 17 March 2011. Coveney provoked controversy when, in September 2011, he flew to Algeria , on the government jet at a cost of more than €26,000 to the Irish taxpayer when there were flights available for €16,331. While there, Coveney cut a ribbon at the opening of a supermarket in Oran . In May 2014, Coveney attended
840-819: The Parliament's Annual Report on Human Rights in the world. He spearheaded the Stop the Traffic campaign at the European Parliament. He was a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Delegation for Relations with the United States and a substitute on the Human Rights Subcommittee, Fisheries Committee, Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee and the Delegation for Relations with Iran. Coveney contested
882-535: The bill might contravene EU trade law. In July 2020, following the formation of a coalition government of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party (led initially by Micheál Martin as Taoiseach), Coveney was re-appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs . The Trade part of the portfolio was transferred to another government department. On 25 March 2022, Coveney was giving a speech in Belfast when he forced to leave
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#1732859076328924-497: The budget of the Referendum Commission whose role it is to provide unbiased information on referendums in Ireland. On 16 May, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan caused controversy with a comment of Greek "holidays" and " feta cheese" at a breakfast briefing with Bloomberg news agency. Noonan said these were the only links between Ireland and Greece. On 17 May, Taoiseach Enda Kenny was heckled and booed by opponents of
966-615: The city. His uncle was Archbishop Patrick Coveney . Simon was educated locally in Cork, before later attending Clongowes Wood College , County Kildare . He was expelled from the college in Transition Year but ultimately was invited back to complete his full six years there. He repeated his Leaving Certificate in Bruce College in Cork. Coveney subsequently attended University College Cork and Gurteen Agricultural College , before completing
1008-739: The compact in Galway as he attended a breakfast briefing. Later that day, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton let slip on radio the possibility of there being a second referendum if the Irish people voted "No". Bill (legislation) Too Many Requests If you report this error to the Wikimedia System Administrators, please include the details below. Request from 172.68.168.236 via cp1112 cp1112, Varnish XID 387185736 Upstream caches: cp1112 int Error: 429, Too Many Requests at Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:44:36 GMT Simon Coveney Simon Coveney (born 16 June 1972)
1050-554: The debate, citing comments made previously by the host. Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore also declined to join the debate. Lucinda Creighton and Clare Daly appeared on Prime Time while the TV3 debate was happening. A debate held on The Frontline on 21 May 2012 descended into chaos. Celebrity "Dragon" Norah Casey and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore represented "Yes", while Declan Ganley and Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald represented "No". At one stage presenter Pat Kenny shouted down
1092-403: The deputy leader of the party. Varadkar succeeded Kenny as Taoiseach and named Coveney as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade , with special responsibilities for Brexit . Coveney succeeded Charles Flanagan , who became Minister for Justice and Equality . It was understood Coveney heavily lobbied Varadkar for the role as he wanted a large role on Brexit . From 2018, he has also co-chaired
1134-473: The economic and budgetary rules that apply to countries like Ireland that use the euro. It will create stability in the euro zone that is essential for growth and job creation. A strong yes vote will create the certainty and stability that our country needs to continue on the road to economic recovery." The No Campaign referred to it as the Austerity Treaty. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams promising to lead
1176-591: The first live televised debate concerning the European Fiscal Compact referendum. It was an hour-long debate, hosted by Vincent Browne , and airing on 1 May at 21:00. Sinn Féin deputy president Mary Lou McDonald and Joe Higgins of the Socialist Party put the case for a No vote, and while Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and agriculture minister Simon Coveney of Fine Gael called on viewers to vote Yes. Taoiseach Enda Kenny refused to participate in
1218-538: The issue, however Coveney claimed he was "not aware of there being any problem with hearing from, or talking to, or understanding the concerns that whistleblowers may have". The Irish Examiner subsequently published a series of text messages between one of the whistleblowers and then-Chief Whip Regina Doherty sent in January 2016. Doherty forwarded a text message onto one of the whistleblowers that she said came from Coveney, in which he said he would call this whistleblower
1260-531: The next day. The call never took place. Speaking in the Dáil on the revelations, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin described the Government handling of the whistleblowers' complaints as "a scandal". Following the 2016 general election , Fine Gael returned to government. On 6 May 2016, Coveney was appointed as the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government , with Taoiseach Enda Kenny taking over
1302-413: The referendum. He vowed to vote against the treaty and said "joining a badly designed monetary union had cost Ireland... the people of Europe do not agree that there is only one way forward." Fianna Fáil party whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl then sent Ó Cuív a letter which put a gag on him during the referendum campaign for speaking out of turn and expressing his own opinion against the party's wishes. TV3 hosted
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1344-514: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of the government of Ireland . On 10 March 2020, he upgraded travel advice recommending that Irish citizens do not travel to Italy . He added that people should think carefully about unnecessary public gatherings and urged the public to play their part and help themselves by following advice and doing practical things like sneezing and washing hands properly. In July 2021, Coveney found himself embroiled in
1386-474: The role to anyone but Zappone, and that in the run-up to the appointment, Zappone had hosted an event at the Merrion Hotel in breach of COVID-19 regulations at which members of the political establishment were present, including Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. In response, many opposition parties accused the appointment as being a product of cronyism . As a result of the controversy, Zappone later declined to take up
1428-724: The role. In September, Coveney admitted that he had deleted texts from his phone in relation to the Zappone affair. Coveney gave a number of reasons for deleting the texts, including that he had deleted them for more storage space, and for security reasons as his phone had previously been "hacked". Coveney's explanations were criticised by many members of the Dáil, including by members of government coalition members Fianna Fáil. Senator Catherine Ardagh of Fianna Fáil stated it "beggars belief that important text messages related to work matters would be deleted" while Fianna Fáil TD James Lawless said "Modern phones have ample storage without having to frequently delete. I would also question to what extent
1470-778: The site of the Bucha massacre the following day. Coveney travelled via Poland and was the first foreign minister on the UN Security Council to visit Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February. He was also accompanied by a political adviser and a protection team. On 20 May 2022, Coveney took over from Luigi Di Maio as chairman of the Council of Europe 's Committee of Ministers . He served in this role until November 2022. On 27 January 2019, Coveney in an interview with Andrew Marr , said
1512-502: The stage, following the discovery of a "suspect device" in a hjacked van in the carpark. Coveney had been speaking following a meeting with the John and Pat Hume Foundation. Coveney and Ireland's ambassador to Ukraine Thérèse Healy visited Ukraine on 13 April 2022 where Coveney met his counterparts, Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba and defence minister Oleksii Reznikov , in Kyiv and visited
1554-453: The support of the government parties, while Independent TDs generally sided with the government on the vote as well. On 17 December 2022, Varadkar succeeded Martin as Taoiseach, with Martin becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Coveney was appointed Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment . On 2 April 2024, shortly after the election of Simon Harris as Fine Gael leader , Coveney announced that he would not seek to be appointed to
1596-454: Was a surprise and encouraged others to vote against Bruton. The subsequent leadership contest was won by Michael Noonan and a new front bench was put in place. After an initial period on the backbenches, Coveney was promoted to the front bench by Michael Noonan , as deputy chief whip. Coveney was re-elected at the 2002 general election . Fine Gael lost twenty-three seats at the election including some of its leading party figures. Noonan
1638-488: Was added to Article 29.4: The Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Bill was proposed in Dáil Éireann by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore on 18 April 2012. It passed final stage in the Dáil on 20 April and final stages in Seanad Éireann on 24 April. In May 2012, Independent TD Thomas Pringle brought
1680-540: Was approved by referendum on 31 May 2012, by 60.3% to 39.7%, on a turnout of 50% and was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins on 27 June 2012. The decision to hold a referendum on the Fiscal Compact was made by the Irish government following advice from the Attorney General , and was announced by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 28 February 2012 prior to the signing ceremony. The following subsection
1722-507: Was replaced as party leader by Enda Kenny , who promoted Coveney to the position of spokesperson on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, in his new front bench. Coveney was elected to the European Parliament for the South constituency at the 2004 European Parliament election . During his three years as an MEP , Coveney held the position of human rights co-ordinator for the European People's Party Group , and twice authored
Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland - Misplaced Pages Continue
1764-448: Was unconstitutional for the government to spend public money to promote one side of a referendum debate, the government was launching a website which contained partisan material, Minister Leo Varadkar replied that as they had launched the website before moving the writ to formally call the referendum, the ruling did not apply. The government was also criticised for diverting millions of euro to fund this website and related leaflet drop from
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