Career
He was a Teachta Dála (Territorial Decoration) for the Wexford constituency for a total of 18 years, and a Senator for three years. Born in Gusserane, County Wexford, Byrne was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1981 general election for the Wexford constituency. He lost his seat at the 1989 general election but was nominated by the Taoiseach to the 19th Seanad.
From 1997 to 2002 Byrne was a Minister of State for Marine and Natural Resources.