Gerard Craughwell

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix = Senator

| image = Gerard Craughwell 2020 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Craughwell in 2020

| office = Senator

| term_start = 8 June 2016

| term_end =

| constituency = Labour Panel

| term_start1 = 10 October 2014

| term_end1 = 8 June 2016

| constituency1 = Cultural and Educational Panel

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1953|11|22|df=y}}

| birth_place = Galway, Ireland

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Independent

| otherparty = {{ubl|Independent Alliance (2015–2016)|Fine Gael (until 2012)}}

| spouse = {{marriage|Helen Craughwell|1978}}

| children = 2

| alma_mater = Limerick Senior College

| website = {{URL|gerardcraughwell.ie}}

| branch = {{ubl|British Army|Irish Army}}

| unit = {{ubl|Royal Irish Rangers|1 Infantry Battalion}}

| serviceyears =

| rank = Sergeant

| mawards =

}}

Gerard Patrick Craughwell (born 22 November 1953) is an Irish independent politician who has served as a senator for the Labour Panel since April 2016, and previously from 2014 to 2016 for the Cultural and Educational Panel.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/1010/651305-polls-open-in-dail-by-elections/|title=Gerard Craughwell wins Seanad by-election|publisher=RTÉ News|date=10 October 2014|access-date=10 October 2014|archive-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011221115/http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/1010/651305-polls-open-in-dail-by-elections/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Gerard-P-Craughwell.S.2014-10-10/|title=Gerard Craughwell|work=Oireachtas Members Database|access-date=1 August 2019|archive-date=1 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801190531/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/member/Gerard-P-Craughwell.S.2014-10-10/|url-status=live}}

Early and personal life

Craughwell was born in Galway and grew up in Salthill.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/gerard-craughwell-served-in-royal-irish-rangers-second-battalion-for-five-years-1.1960732|title=Gerard Craughwell served in Royal Irish Rangers second battalion for five years|last=Minihan|first=Mary|date=11 October 2014|work=The Irish Times|access-date=25 February 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303043209/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/gerard-craughwell-served-in-royal-irish-rangers-second-battalion-for-five-years-1.1960732|url-status=live}} When he was 16, he emigrated to the United Kingdom, settling in London, working in a pub before joining the Royal Irish Rangers regiment of the British Army. After five years he returned to Ireland and joined the Irish Army, serving in the first infantry battalion and fifth medical company at Renmore Barracks in Galway and rising to the rank of sergeant. He left the army in 1980 and took over his father's gas appliance maintenance business until it failed in 1983. Aged 35, he entered further education as a student in Limerick Senior College, gaining a degree in economics accredited by the London School of Economics.{{cite web|url=http://gerardcraughwell.ie/biography|title=Profile|work=gerardcraughwell.ie|access-date=25 February 2016|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307023155/http://gerardcraughwell.ie/biography|url-status=live}} In 1995 he started teaching in Dún Laoghaire Senior College and became an assistant principal. He joined the national executive of the Teachers' Union of Ireland in 2009,{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/gerard-craughwell-im-ecstatic-and-deeply-grateful-to-be-elected-to-senate-30654008.html|title=Gerard Craughwell: I'm ecstatic and deeply grateful to be elected to Senate|work=Irish Independent|date=10 October 2014|access-date=10 October 2014|archive-date=16 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016222203/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/gerard-craughwell-im-ecstatic-and-deeply-grateful-to-be-elected-to-senate-30654008.html|url-status=live}} and was president between 2012 and June 2014.

He is married with two children. He was previously a member of Fine Gael, but ruled out re-joining the party.

Political career

Craughwell contested the 2014 Seanad by-election which arose due to a vacancy on the Cultural and Educational Panel on the election of Deirdre Clune to the European Parliament, initially a symbolic gesture to protest against the usual practice of the government using its parliamentary majority to secure the election of its chosen candidate.{{cite news|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/gerard-craughwell-seanad-by-election-1610193-Aug2014/|title=This man wants to stop the 'silly charade' and run for the Seanad|date=8 August 2014|work=TheJournal.ie|access-date=24 February 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082503/http://www.thejournal.ie/gerard-craughwell-seanad-by-election-1610193-Aug2014/|url-status=live}} Craughwell secured nomination from members of the technical group and Fianna Fáil.{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/seanad-poll-in-balance-as-varadkar-says-he-wont-vote-for-mcnulty-30640743.html|title=Seanad poll in balance as Varadkar says he won't vote for McNulty|first1=Fionnan|last1=Sheahan|last2=Griffin|first2=Sam|date=6 October 2014|work=Irish Independent|access-date=24 February 2016|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305091718/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/seanad-poll-in-balance-as-varadkar-says-he-wont-vote-for-mcnulty-30640743.html|url-status=live}} After controversy surrounding the appointment of John McNulty, the Fine Gael candidate, to a state board, Craughwell won the election on 10 October 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/1010/651305-polls-open-in-dail-by-elections/|title=Craughwell wins Seanad by-election|date=10 October 2014|work=RTÉ.ie|access-date=24 February 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075922/http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/1010/651305-polls-open-in-dail-by-elections/|url-status=live}}

Craughwell tried twice to join the Independent Seanad group, but it refused to admit him.{{cite web|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/gerard-craughwell-independent-senators-group-2140888-Jun2015/|title=Our newest Senator is 'dismayed' at being denied entry to independent group|last=Ryan|first=Órla|date=3 June 2015|work=TheJournal.ie|access-date=24 February 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304134652/http://www.thejournal.ie/gerard-craughwell-independent-senators-group-2140888-Jun2015/|url-status=live}} He suggested the group, mainly Taoiseach's nominees, was compromising its independence and supporting the government. He later joined the Independent Alliance.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/independents-alliance-keeping-options-open-ahead-of-election-1.2157399|first=Fiach|last=Kelly|title=Independents alliance 'keeping options open' ahead of election|work=The Irish Times|date=28 March 2015|access-date=19 September 2015|archive-date=2 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302182835/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/independents-alliance-keeping-options-open-ahead-of-election-1.2157399|url-status=live}} He did not endorse Alliance members' criticism of the government's January 2016 appointment of David Begg, as Chair of the Pensions Authority.{{cite news|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/article1659985.ece|title=Alliance divided on Begg appointment|last=O'Brien|first=Stephen|date=24 January 2016|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=25 February 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303130048/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/article1659985.ece|url-status=dead}}

Craughwell ran in the Seanad election in April 2016 and was elected this time for the Labour Panel.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/at-least-22-independent-alliance-candidates-to-run-in-general-election-1.2359306|title=At least 22 Independent Alliance candidates to run in general election|last=Gartland|first=Fiona|work=The Irish Times|access-date=25 February 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303052253/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/at-least-22-independent-alliance-candidates-to-run-in-general-election-1.2359306|url-status=live}}

Craughwell left the Independent Alliance during the government formation talks in 2016.[http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/prominent-senator-quits-independent-alliance-due-to-frustration-over-lack-of-involvement-in-government-formation-talks-34672005.html Prominent senator quits 'Independent Alliance' due to frustration over lack of involvement in Government formation talks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521191924/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/prominent-senator-quits-independent-alliance-due-to-frustration-over-lack-of-involvement-in-government-formation-talks-34672005.html |date=21 May 2017 }} by Niall O'Connor, The Irish Independent, 29 April 2016.

After raising the HPV vaccine in the Seanad,{{Cite web |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2016-11-29/3/ |title=Seanad Éireann debate|date=29 November 2016 |access-date=4 June 2018 |archive-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515061516/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2016-11-29/3/ |url-status=live }} he distanced himself from anti-vaccine campaigners.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/senator-denies-being-against-hpv-vaccine-after-backlash-srgwk0qkp |title=Senator denies being against HPV vaccine after backlash |access-date=4 June 2018 |archive-date=5 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905183430/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/senator-denies-being-against-hpv-vaccine-after-backlash-srgwk0qkp |url-status=live }}

In 2016 Craughwell took a case on behalf of himself and a number of local authority members in Ireland to attempt to stop the deduction of Class K from their representation payments under the 2011 Oireachtas Act as it did not contribute towards any benefits for Social Protection and was considered unconstitutional as a result.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/councillors-sue-state-on-unfair-prsi-charge-wzgs0cxvz|title=Councillors sue state on 'unfair' PRSI charge|work=The Times|date=24 July 2016}}https://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2023-12-07a.98

Craughwell indicated that he would seek a nomination for the 2018 presidential election,{{cite news|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/gerard-craughwell-presidency-2018-interview-3736704-Dec2017/|first=Daragh|last=Brophy|title='I'm not playing games – this is about winning the presidency': Craughwell expecting to secure backing for Áras run|work=TheJournal.ie|date=28 December 2017|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=5 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105011351/http://www.thejournal.ie/gerard-craughwell-presidency-2018-interview-3736704-Dec2017/|url-status=live}} but later withdrew his intention, claiming that the main political parties were "working together to deny the citizens of this Republic the opportunity to select their next President by means of an election".{{cite web |title=Craughwell says he will not contest Presidential Election |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2018/0723/980477-gerard-craughwell-presidential-election/ |website=rte.ie |publisher=RTÉ |date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=23 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723102333/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2018/0723/980477-gerard-craughwell-presidential-election/ |url-status=live }} To run for the presidency he would have needed the support of four local authorities or 20 Oireachtas members to be nominated. In 2018, he had emailed councillors with information on how to avoid under claiming expenses, and defended the advice commenting that being full-time councillor was a poorly paid profession.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/gerard-craughwell-expenses-3802046-Jan2018/|title=Presidential hopeful defends advising local councillors about how to 'maximise' mileage expenses|last=Duffy|first=Rónán|work=TheJournal.ie|access-date=13 June 2018|language=en|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613134312/http://www.thejournal.ie/gerard-craughwell-expenses-3802046-Jan2018/|url-status=live}}

In 2021 retired members of Oglaigh na hEireann including Craughwell and Leo Quinlan, son of Commandant Pat Quinlan, took the State to the Irish High Court over the long denial of medals to the relatives and the Irish troops who served under Quinlan's command in UN uniform during the siege of Jadotville in Katanga the breakaway province of the Congo. Despite successfully repelling a band of Katangan mercenaries without the loss of any Irishmen under Quinlan's command this event had been shamefully regarded by both the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs as a military defeat while Quinlan only surrendered having run out of ammunition as demonstrated in various scholarly texts and in the acclaimed film Siege of Jadotville. The veterans subsequently received a full apology from the State for their long campaign for justice and an Independent Review Board was established to award the overdue medals which has still to actually award them.{{Cite web|title=High Court Action brought for Jadotville veterans|url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/high-court-action-brought-to-obtain-medals-for-all-jadotville-veterans-1189534.html|website=www.breakingnews.ie|language=english}}

In August 2023, Craughwell announced on Twitter that he thought the Gender Recognition Act 2015 was flawed, and that gender wasn't distinct from biological sex, and transgender individuals shouldn't be allowed into single-sex spaces that don't correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth.{{Cite web|author=Senator G Craughwell|date=5 August 2023 |title=I believe there are just two genders, Male & female. The Gender Recognition Bill is flawed. I accept the right for those wishing to transition. However, I do not accept that a male who declares he is female should have a right of access to female toilets, showers, etc. |url=https://twitter.com/GCraughwell/status/1687716973361102854?s=20 |access-date=5 September 2023|website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}} Prior to the act's passage in 2015, Craughwell had criticised proposals to only allow unmarried transgender individuals to change their gender markers on government documents and to require documentation of medical transition prior to allowing such a change.{{Cite web|title=Gender Recognition Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) – Seanad Éireann (24th Seanad)|date=28 January 2015|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/debate/seanad/2015-01-28/16 |access-date=5 September 2023 |website=www.oireachtas.ie |language=Irish}}

Craughwell was re-elected at the 2020 and 2025 Seanad elections.{{cite web|url=https://www.electionsireland.org/candidate.cfm?ID=12000|title=Gerard Craughwell|work=ElectionsIreland.org|access-date=22 March 2025}}