FitzGerald, Garrett, 1926–2011, Irish political leader. After studying economics and law, he lectured (1959–73) in political economy at his alma mater, University College. He was first elected to the Dáil (parliament's lower house) in 1969 as a member of Fine Gael, having previously been elected (1965) to the senate. He was minister of foreign affairs (1973–77) under Liam Cosgrave, then became party leader and subsequently prime minister in 1981 as a result of a coalition with the Labour party. Although defeated in early 1982, FitzGerald regained power later that year and was again prime minister until 1987, when election losses caused him to resign as party leader. A moderate nationalist, he was the driving force behind the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985. He retired from the Dáil in 1992.
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