'''Paddy Donegan''' ([[29 October]], [[1923]] - [[26 November]], [[2000]]) was an Irish [[Fine Gael]] politician.
Paddy Donegan was born on [[29 October]] [[1923]]. He was educated in Christian BrothresBrothers Schools in Drogheda and Castleknock. Donegan was first elected as a [[Fine Gael]] [[TD]] in [[1954]]. He lost his seat at the following election but reclaimed it in [[1961]]. In the [[Fine Gael]]-[[Labour]] coalition of [[1973]] Donegan was appointed Minister for Defence.
In [[October]] [[1976]] Donegan made a contoversial speech on an official visit to a military base. He referred to President [[CearbhalCearbhall Ó Dálaigh]]s refusal to sign tough anti-crime legislation as a 'thundering disgrace'. The [[Taoiseach]], [[Liam Cosgrave]], refused Donegan's resignation. Instead Ó Dálaigh resigned as [[President of Ireland]]. The whole episode badly damaged the governments reputation.
In [[1976]] Donegan became Minister for Lands. He also had a short-lived term as Minister for Fisheries in [[1977]]. Donegan retired from politics in [[1981]].
