Michael McDowell
IrelandpoliticianMaleb. 19545.0Global Dominance: 0.00%Michael McDowell is a prominent Irish politician and barrister, known for his long-standing involvement in politics as a member of the Progressive Democrats party, which he co-founded in 1985. He served as Minister for Justice and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment during his political career, advocating for various reforms in the legal and economic sectors. McDowell is also recognized for his insightful commentary on political matters, often providing analysis on current events and party dynamics. Recently, he made headlines for his opinion piece discussing the political landscape in Ireland amidst ongoing challenges, including housing and governance.
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Recent news mentions
Michael McDowell is mentioned for his assertion about the profitability of prostitution.
Decriminalising prostitution would risk turning Ireland into Amsterdam or Germany – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-07-30
Michael McDowell argues that small modular reactor technology could be a game changer for Ireland's energy needs.
Opposition, cost and availability means going nuclear will never be a viable solution – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-07-26
Michael McDowell was a founding member of the Progressive Democrats and served in government during tax cuts.
Why Simon Harris will really struggle to move the dial on income tax in the Budget – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-07-19
Independent Senator and former attorney general Michael McDowell said he agreed with every single word Frances Black said.
Occupied Territories Bill set to be signed into law within weeks following Seanad vote – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-07-15
Michael McDowell expressed that decent Irish people have concerns about migration and warned that ignoring these concerns could empower populists.
As public opinion toughens on migration, politicians have shifted to the right – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-07-13
Michael McDowell suggested that national ID cards alter the citizen’s relationship with the State.
‘No to ID cards’ mantra is not enough given complexity of human movement – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-07-09
Senator Michael McDowell was among the attendees at the funeral.
David Andrews was a man of integrity who played vital role in peace process, funeral hears – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-07-04
Michael McDowell, the former minister for justice, wrote about the de facto Troubles amnesty in Irish governments.
Call for Ireland to apologise for the Troubles is a desperate stretch – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-19
Michael McDowell was involved in the crash caused by Erik Jones.
choques, despistes y triunfo de Tyler Reddick con el equipo de Michael Jordan
Argentina· 2026-02-16
Michael McDowell is an Independent Senator and former minister for justice who advocates for the development of the Thornton Hall prison project.
Irish prison conditions among the worst ‘anywhere’, chief inspector tells politicians – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-13
Independent Senator Michael McDowell lamented the threadbare state of our Defence Forces.
Colm Keena on why Dublin was the best place to be growing up in the 1970s – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-11
Michael McDowell argues that Ireland should not be told by Brussels or Washington what to do about policing speech.
Arts Council’s IT crisis, RTÉ’s financial strain and Trump’s assault on the BBC – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-12-20
Independent Senator Michael McDowell says: 'We have a caretaker Government – low battery, low energy, low ambition.'
‘A do-nothing Government?’ Lowest number of laws enacted in a first year this century – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-12-17
Independent Senator Michael McDowell has been to the fore in the Seanad in expressing concerns about the Bill.
Filibustering or scrutinising? Slow passage of the defamation Bill through the Oireachtas – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-30
It wasn’t just about Michael McDowell’s vote; she needed another to make it 20.
No, Maria Steen wasn’t robbed and the election isn’t rigged – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-22
Michael McDowell is an Independent senator who voted with the public majority in the 2015 and 2018 referendums on marriage equality and abortion.
Where next for the conservative right after Maria Steen’s failed presidential bid? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-03
The demonisation of Michael McDowell for not nominating her is misplaced.
If conservatives like Maria Steen want to have an impact, they need to do three things better – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-29
Michael McDowell effectively refused to support Maria Steen's presidential bid despite previously campaigning alongside her.
Maria Steen reflects on failed bid for presidency – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-27
Michael McDowell rejected Maria Steen's claims about his motivations for not supporting her presidential bid.
Maria Steen and Michael McDowell clash over failed presidential bid – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-27
Michael McDowell is getting most of the blame for not nominating Maria Steen.
Fierce blame game as Maria Steen’s backers point fingers in wake of failed presidential campaign – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-24
Michael McDowell and his colleagues were the subject of fierce criticism from supporters of Ms Steen.
Maria Steen protests being shut out of presidential race after nominations shortfall – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-24
Independent Senator Michael McDowell, who successfully campaigned against last year’s family and care referendums with Ms Steen, is understood to not be engaging with those lobbying on her behalf.
Maria Steen ‘hopeful’ she can still get on ballot paper for presidential election – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-23
Michael McDowell gained worldwide fame for his Southern Gothic novels and screenplays.
Συναρπαστικά ταξίδια στη ζώνη του μυστηρίου
Greece· 2025-09-21
Michael McDowell's potential candidacy was discussed enthusiastically, although it turned out to be incorrect.
Presidential hopeful Maria Steen’s views on social issues could alienate potential allies – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-12
Michael McDowell is thought to be very unlikely to back Maria Steen in the presidential election.
Maria Steen’s route to nomination to contest presidential election narrows – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-12
Rita returns from a dropped line to clarify that, if O’Toole were not available, she’d go for Michael McDowell.
Fintan O’Toole? Johnny Logan? Liveline asks the nation, one by one, who should be president – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-22
Columnist Michael McDowell wrote about the skepticism surrounding Trump's relationship with the Kremlin.
Donetsk don't-tell: Donald Trump forces Zelenskyy-Trump meeting but no word about captured territory
India· 2025-08-19
Michael McDowell has had a great term and is still the best speaker in the Upper House.
from cute hoors to rookie errors and good operators – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-26
Michael McDowell pushed for British amnesty for IRA members without trial as attorney general in 2000.
Michael McDowell pushed for British amnesty for IRA members without trial, UK files reveal – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-22
Michael McDowell is mentioned as a potential candidate for the presidency.
The presidency is not a Rose of Tralee contest for over-35s – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-18
