Following the 1977 general election, Fianna Fáil was back in office and Jack Lynch appointed Andrews as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

During this period he maintained his legal practice and campaigned for the Guildford Four, the Birmingham Six, and Brian Keenan.

[6] In February 1992, Albert Reynolds succeeded Haughey as Taoiseach, and Andrews was appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

After the 1997 general election, Fianna Fáil returned to office in coalition with the Progressive Democrats, with Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach.

[2][8] His period as Foreign Minister was successful regarding the Northern Ireland peace talks.