Michael McGrath, the Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central, has led a rapidly progressive political journey, crossing significant milestones along the way. At the age of 16, he achieved his Leaving Certificate and by age 22, he was already running for his first election, later ascending to the position of finance minister at 47. Currently, McGrath is tipped to become Ireland’s next European Commissioner.
Those who know McGrath closely at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, where he once served as a minister, find his intense interest in the complex aspects of the Irish tax system intriguing. It’s acknowledged that he enjoyed the process of crafting Budget 2024 and he made Fianna Fáil history when he presented the last budget, being the first minister of their party to do so in over ten years.
McGrath’s approach to the substantial €14 billion package was marked by his emphasis on measured spending and fiscal responsibility. While presenting to the Dáil, he made it clear that he intended to handle the country’s finances with dutiful regard for future generations, as he announced large-scale funds aimed at future-proofing. The poised and considered delivery of an expansive but forward-thinking budget signalled a defining moment for Fianna Fáil, helping the party regain public trust and redefine its reputation, after facing continuous criticism from Fine Gael and others.
McGrath’s work ethic can be traced back to his late father, Jack, a hardworking manual labourer who held various jobs, including factory worker and van driver. Growing up as the eldest of five children, McGrath experienced the challenges of a stringent budget. He shares a deep admiration for his mother, Marie, a homemaker who he refers to as an unwavering source of support. Marie is involved in her son’s career, as observed at her appearance at a recent Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in April.
An academic achiever, McGrath was the first in his family to attend university, studying commerce at UCC. He progressed to qualify as a chartered accountant, carving out a successful career in the private and public sectors.
With a keen interest in politics, history and the world’s current events, his political journey started at the age of 22 when he ran for a position in the local town council of Passage West. His career initially began in finance as a controller at Red FM, but later decided to submit his resignation to pursue a career in politics. He stood as a candidate for Fianna Fáil during the 2007 general election, and to his fortune, won at his debut. Since then, his electoral success has repeated in every subsequent election; 2011, 2016 and 2020.
In 2011, he was given the responsibility of being the party’s spokesman for finance, a position from which he critique nine Opposition budgets. His role was instrumental in the government formation talks, garnering him an appointment as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in June 2020.
Away from politics, he isn’t seen frequently at high-profile events. At the start of this year, he shared some insights on the challenge of juggling work responsibilities, primarily budgeting, with being present in his large family.
He expressed the struggles of full-time working parents, highlighting that him and his partner work full time whilst raising children and how they are in a constant state of weighing their precious time against their work duties. Comments like “The trade-off is real: you would love to spend more time with your younger ones, but still want to make an impact in your job and show them the importance of ambition and work ethic,” show his commitment towards his roles both at home and at work.
He confessed, “Our lives are hectic, they are brimming. I savour every moment I can get with them, from cheering them on in their matches shivering on the sidelines, to sharing the highs and lows of the outcomes with them. I make it my priority to be there with them as much as I possibly can.”