William Noel Lawless Sr. (24 December 1950 – 8 November 2024)[1] was an Irish independent politician and businessman who served as a Senator from 2016 to 2020, after being nominated by the Taoiseach.

He made the decision after his daughter received a rowing scholarship to Boston University.

[6] Lawless owned five restaurants in the Chicago area, employing 460 people,[7] and was a board member and co-founder of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC) and chair of Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform.

[8] On 11 May 2016, Taoiseach Enda Kenny appointed Lawless to the 25th Seanad, making him the first overseas Irish senator.

[9] Lawless had close ties to the Obama administration and was chosen to introduce the President when he announced his plans for immigration reform.