of the government's numbers. Being appointed for the second time his seniority resulted in his nomination as a Vice-President of the Commission. Later life and death After Burke left politics at both Irish and European level, he became president and chief executive officer of the Stichting Canon Foundation in Europe, roles he held until retirement in 1998. Burke married Mary in 1968, and they had six children. Burke died on 15 March 2016 in Dublin. He was predeceased by his son Joseph. References 1932 births 2016 deaths Irish European Commissioners Fine Gael TDs Members of the 19th Dáil Members of the 20th Dáil Members of the 22nd Dáil Members of the 23rd Dáil Ministers for Education (Ireland) People from New York (state) Politicians from County Tipperary Councillors of Dublin County Council Alumni of University College Dublin Alumni of King's Inns European Commissioners 1977–1981 European Commissioners 1981–1985