Michael McDowell
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.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
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 Times
Ireland· 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
Senator and former minister for justice Michael McDowell described the Garda operation to sell him the guns as 'entrapment'.
Carlow gunman Evan Fitzgerald had other weapons, Garda investigation found – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-28
Michael McDowell outlined details of Evan Fitzgerald’s case and accused undercover gardaí of entrapment.
Gardaí accused in Seanad of ‘concealing facts’ from judge in Evan Fitzgerald case – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-25
Michael McDowell had his race spoiled by brake issues.
Chase Briscoe holds off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin to win at Pocono
Canada· 2025-06-23
Independent Senator Michael McDowell had also raised the case in the Seanad last week.
TD first to tell Justice Minister gardaí supplied guns to Carlow gunman – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-19Michael McDowell is noted as not declaring his candidacy for the presidency.
So far nobody wants the Presidency and its quarter-of-a-million euro salary. Why? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-18
Michael McDowell is mentioned as the former leader of the Progressive Democrats.
The prejudice bubbling under Ireland’s thin veneer of normality – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-13
Michael McDowell expressed deep concern in the Seanad about the gardaí misleading the court regarding the firearms.
Gardaí under scrutiny over Evan Fitzgerald case amid claim court was ‘misled’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-12