Frank Aiken

Frank Aiken was an Irish politician and a commander of the Irish Republican Army. Originally a member of Sinn Fin, he was later a founding member of Fianna Fil. Aiken was first elected to Dil ireann in 1923 and at each subsequent election until 1973. Aiken served as Minister for Defence , Minister for the Coordination of Defensive Measures , Minister for Finance and Minister for External Affairs . He also served as Minister for Lands and Fisheries. Aiken served as Tnaiste of Ireland from 1965 until 1969. He holds the distinction of being the second longestserving member of Dil ireann.

Francis Thomas Aiken was born onFebruary 1898 at Carrickbracken, Camlough in County Armagh. The seventh and youngest child of James Aiken, a builder from Co Tyrone, and Mary McGeeney of Corromannon, Beleek, Co Armagh. James built catholic churches in South Armagh. Aiken was a nationalist, a member of the IRB, and County councilor, who refused an offer to stand as an MP. James was Chairman of the Local Board of the Poor Guardians. In 1900, on her visit to Ireland, he told Queen Victoria, he would welcome her only until Ireland has become free.

Source: Wikipedia