Thomas Mullins

Thomas Lincoln Joseph Mullins (12 February 1903 – 2 November 1978) was an American-born Irish Fianna Fáil politician.

Early life He was born 12 February 1903 in New Rochelle, New York, the only child of Martin and Catherine Mullins originally from Cork and Galway respectively. Born on Abraham Lincoln's birthday, he was named after the US president. The family moved to County Cork in 1914, and he was educated at Presentation Brothers School, Kinsale, and St. Enda's School, Rathfarnham. He later graduated with an MA (National University of Ireland) and obtained a higher diploma in education. He did not contest the 1932 general election. He was a member of Cork County Council representing the Bandon electoral area from 1928 to 1934. A journalist, he worked for The Irish Press from 1941 to 1944.

He was defeated in the Carlow–Kildare constituency at the 1943 and 1944 general elections, and by Seán MacBride at the 1947 Dublin County by-election, he did not seek elected office again, choosing to concentrate on his duties as general secretary of Fianna Fáil, a post he held from 1945 to 1973.

In 1957 he was nominated by the Taoiseach Éamon de Valera to the 9th Seanad. Mullins was re-nominated to the 10th, 11th and 12th Seanad. He served as Leader of the Seanad from 1957 to 1973.