Eamon Scanlon

Eamon Scanlon
Born	(1954-09-20) September 20, 1954 Ballymote, County Sligo, Ireland
Occupation(s)	Politician, Business proprietor, Butcher
Years active	1991–present
Known for	Fianna Fáil politician, Teachta Dála (TD), Senator

Eamon Scanlon (born 20 September 1954) is an Irish politician affiliated with Fianna Fáil who has held the position of Teachta Dála (TD) during the periods 2007–2011, 2016–2020, and again starting in 2024. Prior to this, he was a Senator representing the Agricultural Panel from 2002 until 2007.

Personal life

Originating from Ballymote, County Sligo, Scanlon is married to Ann and together they have six children. Professionally trained as a butcher, he has been a business proprietor since 1975. Currently, he operates 'E & M Scanlon Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents' alongside his son Matthew. Additionally, he holds roles on the Governing Body of Letterkenny Institute of Technology and participates in the Ballymote Community Enterprise Board.

Political life

Scanlon dedicated seven years to Fianna Fáil’s National Executive and acted as Director of Elections for Matt Brennan. His local government service includes membership on Sligo County Council for Ballymote from 1991 through 2003. He secured election to the 22nd Seanad in 2002 via the Agricultural Panel and subsequently won a seat in the Dáil for Sligo–North Leitrim at the 2007 general election.

In August 2009, both Scanlon and fellow Fianna Fáil TD Jimmy Devins resigned the party whip in protest against reductions to breast cancer services at Sligo University Hospital; they rejoined the parliamentary party in January 2011. Following a decline in his first preference votes—from 23.2% in 2007 to 11.4%—he lost his Dáil seat in the 2011 general election and was unsuccessful in the subsequent Seanad election.

Returning to local politics in 2014, Scanlon was elected to Sligo County Council representing Ballymote-Tubbercurry. He then reclaimed a Dáil seat in the 2016 general election but lost it again in 2020. He was once more elected to the Dáil at the general election held in 2024.