Albert Reynolds

Albert Reynolds 1935-, Irish politician, prime minister of the Republic of Ireland (1992-95). A successful business executive, Reynolds won (1977) a seat in the Irish parliament as a member of the Fianna Fáil party. He was minister of posts and telegraphs and of transport (1979-81), of energy (1982), and of industry and commerce (1987-88) under Prime Minister Charles Haughey . In 1988 he became finance minister, but he resigned in 1991 after he challenged Haughey unsuccessfully for the party leadership. When Haughey later resigned (1992), Reynolds succeeded him. As prime minister, Reynolds worked to promote a settlement in Northern Ireland. In 1993 he and British prime minister John Major wrote the Downing Street Declaration, which led to a cease-fire in Northern Ireland. He resigned in late 1994 but served as caretaker prime minister into early 1995.

Reynolds, Albert (1933– ) Irish Fianna Fáil statesman, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) (1992–94). He was involved with John Major in drafting the DOWNING STREET DECLARATION (1993), intended as the basis of a peace initiative in Northern Ireland. He resigned in 1994 after losing the support of the Irish Labour Party.

Reynolds, Albert (1933– ) Irish statesman, taoiseach (1992–94). In 1977, Reynolds entered the Dáil and soon joined the Fianna Fáil cabinet. In 1991, Reynolds was dismissed after trying to displace Charles Haughey. Reynolds eventually succeeded Haughey as taoiseach. In ensuing elections, Fianna Fáil lost their majority and he was forced into coalition with the Labour Party. In 1993, Reynolds and British Prime Minister, John Major, issued the Downing Street Declaration. In 1994, the Labour Party withdrew its support, and he was forced to resign. John Bruton succeeded Reynolds as taoiseach.