Ray Butler (politician)
Ray Butler (born 30 December 1965) is an Irish former Fine Gael politician who served as a Senator from 2016 to 2020, after being nominated by the Taoiseach. He previously served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Meath West constituency from 2011 to 2016.[1][2]
Ray Butler | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Senator | |
| In office 11 May 2016 – 27 March 2020 | |
| Constituency | Nominated by the Taoiseach |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office February 2011 – February 2016 | |
| Constituency | Meath West |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Raymond Butler 30 December 1965 Kells, County Meath, Ireland |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
| Spouse |
Marie Butler (m. 1995) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | NUI Galway |
Living in Trim, Butler's family is originally from Kells. He served on Trim Town Council from 2004 to 2011, including a year as mayor of that council, and was elected to Meath County Council in May 2009.[2]
He lost his seat at the 2016 general election.[2] Butler was nominated to the 25th Seanad in May 2016.[3]
In 2019, it was reported that Butler had taken three years to repay the €30,000 severance allowance he received after losing his Dáil seat, which became forfeit and repayable once he accepted a nomination to the Seanad.[4]
References
- "Ray Butler". Oireachtas Members Database. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
- "Ray Butler". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
- Sarah Bardon (27 May 2016). "FF leader selects three of Taoiseach's 11 Seanad appointees". Irish Times.
- McDonagh, Darragh (1 July 2019). "Senator finally repays €30,000 golden handshake, three years on". Irish Independent. Retrieved 1 July 2019.