alphabet). Fine Gael came to power in a coalition with the Labour Party in 1973, and Ryan became Minister for Finance. He presided over a tough four years in the National Coalition under Liam Cosgrave, during the 1970s oil crisis when, in common with most western economies, Ireland faced a significant recession. He was variously lampooned as "Richie Ruin" on the Irish satire show Hall's Pictorial Weekly, and as "Red Richie" for his government's introduction of a wealth tax. Following the 1977 general election Fine Gael was out of power, and Ryan once again became Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs. Ryan also served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in 1973 and from 1977 to 1979, being appointed to Ireland's first delegation and third delegation. At the first direct elections to the European Parliament in 1979, he was elected for the Dublin constituency, and was re-elected in 1984, heading the poll on both occasions. On being appointed to the European Court of Auditors in 1986, he resigned his seat and was succeeded by Chris O'Malley. He served as a member of the Court of Auditors from 1986 to 1994, being replaced by Barry Desmond. After retirement he continued in a number of roles, including as a Commissioner of Irish Lights (until 2004) and a spell as Chairman of the Irish Red Cross in 1998. He was the father of the economist and academic Cillian Ryan. He died on 17 March 2019, aged 90. References External links 1929 births 2019 deaths Alumni of University College Dublin Fine Gael MEPs Fine Gael TDs Irish solicitors Members of the 16th Dáil Members of the 17th Dáil Members of the 18th Dáil Members of the 19th Dáil Members of the 20th Dáil Members of the 21st Dáil Members of the 22nd Dáil MEPs for the Republic of Ireland 1984–1989 MEPs for the Republic of Ireland 1979–1984 MEPs for the Republic of Ireland 1977–1979 MEPs for the Republic of Ireland 1973 Ministers for Finance (Ireland) Politicians from County Dublin People educated at Synge Street CBS