Background
Clinton was born to a farming family at Moynalty, Kells, County Meath, in February 1915.
Clinton was born to a farming family at Moynalty, Kells, County Meath, in February 1915.
In 1973 he joined the Irish Government of Liam Cosgrave as Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries in the National Coalition. Clinton is best remembered as the Agriculture Minister who negotiated Ireland"s entry into the European Union"s Common Agricultural Policy, a development which brought billions of pounds to Irish farming and agri business. He served in government until 1977 and retired from the Dáil in 1981.
Clinton also served in the European Parliament for the Leinster constituency from 1979 to 1989 and his political experience was recognised by his election as vice-president of that assembly.
He served as a member of Dublin County Council from 1955 and represented various County Dublin constituencies as a Fine Gael Teachta Dála (Territorial Decoration) from 1961 until his retirement from Dáil Éireann in 1981.