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Desmond (Dessie) Joseph O'Malley (b. 2 February, 1939), was a senior Fianna Fáil politician, the founder of the Progressive Democrats and the party's first leader (1985-1993). He served as a TD since 1968 and as Minister at the Departments of Justice and Industry & Commerce. O'Malley is regarded as 'the best Taoiseach that never was.'
Desmond O'Malley was born on 2 February 1939 in Limerick City. He was educated in Limerick and University College Dublin and qualified as a solicitor in 1962. In 1968 he was elected to the Dáil as a Fianna Fáil TD following the death of his uncle, Donagh O'Malley. In 1969 he became Parliamentary Secretary to the then Taoiseach, Jack Lynch.
In 1970 O'Malley succeeded Micheál Ó Moráin as Minister for Justice, just two days before the revelations of the Arms Crisis became public. During this time O'Malley introduced new legislation and took strong action against the IRA. In 1977 O'Malley was appointed Minister for Industry and Commerce in the newly formed Fianna Fáil government. Two years later in 1979 he supported George Colley in his bid to become leader of Fianna Fáil, however Charles Haughey was the successful winner. In the days after the vote Colley, O'Malley and the other Colley campaign manager, Martin O'Donoghue, considered whether they would even vote for Haughey's nomination as Taoiseach. However when it came to it all three voted for Haughey.
Following the 1982 General Election Fianna Fáil led by Haughey failed to win an overall majority of seats. The party met a few days later to discuss the issue of the leadership of the Party and the nomination for Taoiseach. George Colley dropped his own claims to the succession and threw all of his support behind O'Malley. When the meeting was held a vote on the leadership wasn't taken and O'Malley withdrew his challenge. Some of his key supporters, including Martin O'Donoghue, urged him to back out. He had no choice but to concede. Haughey was elected Taoiseach and O'Malley was still appointed to the Cabinet as Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism. In October 1982 another chaalenge to Haughey was initiated, this time by the Kildare TD, Charlie McCreevy. O'Malley was on holiday in Spain at the time but rushed back to join the campaign. After the meeting that went on all day Haughey won an open vote by 58 votes to 22. O'Malley resigned from the Cabinet due to the fact that he voted against Haughey.
In 1983 it emerged that the last government was involved in the tapping of certain journalists telephones. Another leadership challenge loomed for Haughey. This time it looked as if he would resign. The race to succeed him began with O'Malley, Gerard Collins, Michael O'Kennedy, Brian Lenihan and John P. Wilson all showing an interest in the post of Party leader. When Fianna Fáil met to debate the issue the decision of Haughey's leadership went to a secret ballot. However Haughey carried the day by winning 40 votes to 33.
In early 1985 a bill was introduced by the Fine Gael-Labour government to liberalise the sale of contraceptives in the country. Fianna Fáil opposed the bill, however O'Malley wanted to support it. When it came to a vote he abstained rather than cross the floor. Haughey wasn't going to let this slide. On 26 February, 1985 O'Malley was summoned to a Party meeting and was expelled from Fianna Fáil for 'conduct unbecoming.' The result of the ballot was 73 votes to 9. After three attempts by O'Malley to oust Haughey, Haughey had finally won and was in complete control of the Party. At the age of 46 it looked as if O'Malley's political career was over. However, by the end of the year, on 21 December to be exact, O'Malley announced his plan to found a new political party. The Progressive Democrats (PD) were launched.
In the 1987 General Election the Progressive Democrats won 14 seats making it the third biggest party in the Dáil. Fianna Fáil returned to power with Haughey as head of a minority government. In 1989 the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil formed a coalition government - the first in the history of Fianna Fáil. O'Malley became Minister for Industry and Commerce. In 1992 Albert Reynolds succeeded Haughy and became Taoiseach. Following the 'Beef Tribunal' Reynolds accused O'Malley of being 'dishonest' when giving evidence. The Progressive Democrats immediately withdrew from the government and a general election was called.
In October 1993 O'Malley retired as leader of the Progressive Democrats. He was succeeded by Mary Harney, one of the co-founders. In 1994 O'Malley ran for the European Parliament but was defeated by Pat Cox. In the 2002 general election O'Malley's daughter, Fiona, was elected to the Dáil as a PD candidate.
Vehemently opposed to Charles Haughey's leadership throughout his political career, Des O'Malley is regarded as a lost leader and the best Taoiseach that never was.
Early Life
Joining the Cabinet
Opposition to Haughey
Leadership Challenge
Expulsion from Fianna Fáil
The Progressive Democrats
Retirement
Preceded by:
Micheál Ó Moráin
Minister for Justice
(1970-1973)
Followed by:
Patrick Cooney
Preceded by:
Justin Keating
Minister for Industry & Commerce
(1977-1981)
Followed by:
John Kelly
Preceded by:
John Kelly
Minister for Trade, Commerce & Tourism
(1982)
Followed by:
Pádraig Flynn
Preceded by:
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Progressive Democrats Leader
(1985-1993)
Followed by:
Mary Harney
Preceded by:
Ray Burke
Minister for Industry & Commerce
(1989-1992)
Followed by:
Pádraig Flynn
