Conor Cruise O’Brien

Date of Birth: November 3, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: December 18, 2008

Biography

Conor Cruise O’Brien was an Irish politician, writer, historian, and academic. Born in Dublin, Ireland, O’Brien’s career spanned several decades and included significant contributions to politics, literature, and diplomatic services. He was a prominent figure in Irish intellectual and political life and held a variety of influential roles throughout his career. O’Brien was educated at Sandford Park School and later attended Trinity College Dublin, where he studied history. He began his career in the Irish Department of External Affairs, where he played a key role in representing Ireland at the United Nations in the 1950s. His diplomatic career also saw him serving as an advisor to the UN Secretary-General during the Congo Crisis. O’Brien entered politics in the 1960s, joining the Irish Labour Party and serving as a member of Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament). He was known for his outspoken views and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, which sometimes made him a controversial figure. His political career also included serving as the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs in the 1970s. In addition to his political work, O’Brien was a prolific writer and intellectual. He authored numerous books and articles on a wide range of topics, including Irish history, politics, and literature. His works are noted for their depth of insight and often provocative viewpoints. Conor Cruise O’Brien passed away on December 18, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual rigor and political activism.

5 Interesting Facts about Conor Cruise O’Brien

1. O’Brien was a key advisor to UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld during the Congo Crisis in the early 1960s.

2. He was known for his opposition to Irish nationalism and his critiques of Sinn Féin and the IRA.

3. O’Brien served as editor-in-chief of “The Observer” newspaper in the 1970s.

4. He was elected a member of the Royal Irish Academy in 1994.

5. His book “States of Ireland” is considered one of the most important works on Irish political history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Conor Cruise O’Brien

1. “You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.”

2. “In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.”

3. “The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be.”

4. “A writer should always feel like he’s in exile.”

5. “The history of Ireland is a history of betrayal.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Conor Cruise O’Brien’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his career as a politician, diplomat, and author suggests he lived a life of influence rather than significant personal wealth.

Children

Conor Cruise O’Brien had three children: Donal Cruise O’Brien, Kate Cruise O’Brien, and Patrick Cruise O’Brien, with his first wife, Christine Foster.