Gerard Sweetman

**Gerard Sweetman**

**Definition:**
Gerard Sweetman (1908–1970) was an Irish politician and barrister who served as a member of Fine Gael and held several ministerial positions, including Minister for Finance.

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**Gerard Sweetman**

Gerard Sweetman was an influential Irish politician and barrister born in 1908. He was a member of the Fine Gael party and played a significant role in Irish politics during the mid-20th century. Sweetman is best known for his tenure as Minister for Finance from 1954 to 1957.

### Early Life and Education
Sweetman was educated at University College Dublin and later qualified as a barrister. His legal background informed much of his political career, where he was known for his analytical approach to economic and fiscal matters.

### Political Career
Sweetman was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1948, representing the Kildare constituency. He quickly rose through the ranks of Fine Gael, serving in various capacities before being appointed Minister for Finance in the Second Inter-Party Government. During his time as finance minister, he focused on stabilizing the Irish economy and promoting industrial development.

### Later Life and Legacy
After losing his seat in 1965, Sweetman retired from active politics. He passed away in 1970. His contributions to Irish fiscal policy and economic planning remain noted in the history of Ireland’s mid-20th-century governance.

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**Meta Description:**
Gerard Sweetman was an Irish Fine Gael politician and barrister who served as Minister for Finance from 1954 to 1957, known for his work in economic stabilization and industrial development.