Avril Doyle is an Irish former Fine Gael politician.
Background
Avril Belton was born in Dublin. She was educated at Holy Child Convent in Killiney and at University College, Dublin (University College Dublin). Her father Richard Belton was a Senator and her grandfather Patrick Belton was a Teachta Dála (Territorial Decoration).
Education
Bachelor of Science Biochemistry, University College, Dublin, 1966-1971. Spoken languages: English.
Career
In 1974, aged 25, she was elected to Wexford County Council and to Wexford Corporation. She was Mayor of Wexford town from 1975 to 1976. Doyle made news during a debate in the European Parliament in June 2008 after the rejection of the Treaty of Lisbon by Irish voters.
A group of British Eurosceptic MEPs wore green hats and T-shirts, encouraging the European Union to respect the Irish "no" vote.
However, many Irish MEPs saw this as self-serving and felt that there would be no Eurosceptic support for Irish opinion had the treaty been accepted. And Doyle was both lauded and criticised for the following comment, which is a reference to the forceful occupation of Ireland by Britain.
"How the history books could have been written differently, if respect for the Irish vote from some of our British colleagues was always there."
She announced on 7 January 2009 that she would not be seeking re-election to the European Parliament at the 2009 election. She withdrew from the nomination process in October 2011.
Religion
Roman Catholic
Politics
She was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the November 1982 general election as a Fine Gael Territorial Decoration for the Wexford constituency. She served as a Minister of State in the Fine Gael-Labour Party coalition governments of 1982-1987 and 1994-1997. On 21 June 2011 she announced her intention to seek the Fine Gael party nomination to run for President of Ireland.
Membership
She was a member of the Seanad from 1989 to 1992 and from 1997 to 2002. She was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (Member of the European Parliament) at the 1999 election and re-elected at the 2004 election.
Interests
Equestrian activities. Environment, agriculture.
Connections
Spouse Fred Doyle, 1971. Children: Christina, Liz, Kate.