Billy Kelleher
Fianna Fáil and Renew Europe MEP for Ireland South.
Billy Kelleher is a Fianna Fáil MEP representing the constituency of Ireland South (Munster and South Leinster. Since his election in 2019, Billy has been a member of the Renew Europe political group in the European Parliament. Fianna Fáil is also a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party.
Born in 1968, Billy grew up on a farm in White’s Cross, near Glanmire, in Co. Cork. He is married to Liza and has three teenage children. A graduate of Pallaskenry Agricultural College, Billy worked on the family far before being appointed to Seanad Éireann by former Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds.
Elected to Dáil Éireann in 1997 for the constituency of Cork North Central, Billy served for 22 years as a TD. During that time, he was appointed Minister for State for Trade, Labour and Commerce. Between 2011 and 2019, Billy was the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health and Business, Jobs and Enterprise.
Repeal the 8th
Referendum
Before and during the referendum, Billy took an active role in the campaign to repeal the 8th amendment. Billy took a strong pro-choice position in the referendum debate, and was an important voice in the campaign.
As a member of the Oireachtas Committee investigating the issue, Billy proposed the 12-week rule that the Parliament ultimately introduced after the referendum was won.