Spring, Dick (1950-…), led Ireland’s Labour Party from 1982 to 1997. He served as the Republic of Ireland’s tanaiste (deputy prime minister) and minister for the environment from 1982 to 1987 and as tanaiste and minister of foreign affairs from 1993 to 1997.
Richard Spring was born in Tralee, County Kerry, on Aug. 29, 1950. He was educated at Roscrea, in County Tipperary, and Trinity College, Dublin. Prior to entering politics, he was a popular sports hero who excelled in Gaelic football, rugby, and hurling. Spring represented Kerry North in Dail Eireann (the Irish House of Representatives) from 1981 to 2002.
