Desmond A. Hanafin (9 September 1930 – 22 June 2017) was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who served for over 30 years as a member of Seanad Éireann[1] (1969–93 and 1997–2002).
He opposed social liberalisation, particularly the legalisation of abortion, divorce and same-sex marriage, and was one of the founders of the anti-abortion advocacy group, Pro Life Campaign.
Hanafin was born in Thurles, County Tipperary, in 1930, son of John Hanafin (1890–1953), a draper and newsagent who served for many years as a Fianna Fáil councillor for North Tipperary County Council and previously was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and an elected Sinn Féin councillor.
Initially successful,[8] the business failed in 1967,[9] which Mary Hanafin later blamed on her father's excess drinking.
[13] Subsequently, in 1956, drawing support from the Clann na Poblachta representatives, he was elected Chairman of the County Council.
[20] In May 2015, he accused Yes campaigners in the same-sex marriage referendum of spreading a "palpable climate of fear", and called for a No vote.