Jack Lynch Biography

Appointed Prime Minister of Ireland, 1st term

Succeeds Sean Lemass as Taoiseach.

Signs Ireland's Treaty of Accession to the European Communities in Brussels.

Welcomes the referendum result in which Irish voters strongly approve membership of the European Communities.

Leads the government when the constitutional amendment permitting European Communities membership is signed.

Leads Ireland when completion of accession-treaty ratification is formally notified.

Leads Ireland as membership of the European Communities formally begins.

Heads the government when Ireland becomes a member of the European Communities.

Leads Ireland as the accession treaty becomes effective and European Communities membership starts.

Returns to office as Taoiseach after Fianna Fail's general election victory.

Represents Ireland as leaders develop plans for a European Monetary System.

Heads the government when Ireland joins the new European Monetary System.

Lynch adds Ireland's signature to the treaty admitting Greece to the European Communities.

Heads the government when Irish voters participate in the first direct European Parliament elections.

Lynch returns Ireland to the Council chair as the second Irish Community Presidency begins.

Hosts the European Council as leaders debate the United Kingdom's Community budget contribution.