"Father of the Dáil" remembered

Paddy Smith's portrait to be unveiled

On Wednesday September 17th 2025 Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Minister Niamh Smyth, will unveil a portrait of former TD Paddy Smith in Leinster House.

Born in 1901, Paddy was one of six children who grew-up on the family farm at Tunnyduff, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. In a political career with Fianna Fáil that spanned more than fifty years, Paddy served as a TD for Co. Cavan from 1923 to 1977. His ministerial positions included that of Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Local Government, and Minister for Social Welfare. After a long and honourable political record, he became affectionately known in the newspapers as ‘the father of the Dáil.’

Speaking in relation to the upcoming unveiling Paddy’s grandniece Niamh Smyth, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI, and Digitalisation said:

"Paddy Smith’s life was defined by service, resilience and patriotism. Those who knew him remember not only his determination, but also his deep concern for people. His remarkable story deserves to be remembered.

Coming from modest farming origins, he joined the Volunteers in 1917 and rose quickly through the ranks to become the youngest IRA commandant at just 19 years of age. He was captured by British forces in 1921 and put on trial for treason, facing execution until a truce was called during the War of Independence. During the Civil War, he was interned and endured tremendous hardship, a punishing 41-day hunger strike alongside six fellow prisoners that left him physically weakened.

He was invited to stand for the Dáil in 1923 while still recovering. He not only won that election but went on to serve continuously as a Teachta Dála for an extraordinary 53 years, from 1923 to 1977.

As Minister for Agriculture, he worked tirelessly to improve productivity, grassland and animal health, transforming opportunities for Irish farming. In cabinet, his focus also turned to housing for small farmers, labourers and working families.

As his portrait is unveiled in Leinster House, we honour not just his extraordinary achievements, but also the values he lived by: courage, commitment and service to the people of Ireland."