McElroy or Mickelson? 
10 Questions- Brian Lenihan Minister for Finance
By: Emily Savage
- What were you doing when you were my age?
I had just completed my Masters in Cambridge and was returning to Ireland to lecture in Trinity College.
- How did you get where you are today?
I qualified as a barrister and was called to the Bar in 1984, I also lectured part time in Trinity until 1996 and became Senior Counsel in 1997. I also came from a very political family which had an influence on me. My father, who was a politician, died in 1995, my name was put forward for his seat and I was elected in the by election. I later became chairman of the constitution committee, then Minister for Children, Minister for Justice and now Minister for Finance.
- Who was the most influential person in your life and why?
There have been many influential people in different areas of my life, on a personal level my father had a huge influence on me both as a father and a politician. My family circle also have an influence on me.
My law lecturers in college had an influence on me, they were very good teachers. For example, Heuston who lectured me in Constitutional law. My lecturers also included Mary McAleese, Mary Robinson and Patrick Usher.
Gandhi, Sean Le Mass and Parnell influenced me as politicians. Also De Gaulle was a very strong leader.
- What do you value most in life?
Seeing people co-operate together and seeing people realise their potential.
- When advice would you give to a young university graduate from Northern Ireland/ Ireland?
Work hard at whatever you want to do, get qualified and then practice. There are always opportunities for business development.
- How important is America to the future development of Ireland?
It is very important, Ireland is very tied into the U.S. There is huge investment both ways which creates employment. There are so many people with Irish ancestry in the U.S. The Americans are comfortable with the Irish.
- What are the three biggest challenges to Ireland moving forward?
The first is to stabilise public finances, unfortunately we will have to give a little now to benefit in the future.
Secondly repair the banking system which has been damaged as a result of irresponsible lending.
Lastly we have to make ourselves competitive again.
- How important is it to be involved in the local community?
Very very important!!
As Tip O'Neill said: “all politics is local”.
- How did you handle the transition from Minister of Justice to Minister of Finance?
Well it was like any transition really. I felt that I understood the Justice brief well. It was a big challenge but I feel that I am meeting the Finance brief well.
- What do you think makes a good leader?
The capacity to listen. The capacity to reflect. The capacity to judge individuals and their potential. The capacity to express in simple terms what must be done.
