Editing Jack Lynch (section)

===Minister for Industry and Commerce===
In 1959, Éamon de Valera was elected [[President of Ireland]] and [[Seán Lemass]] succeeded him as [[Taoiseach]] and Fianna Fáil leader. Lynch was promoted to Lemass' old portfolio as [[Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment|Minister for Industry and Commerce]]. In this portfolio, he inherited the most dynamic department in the government. However, having replaced such a political giant, Lynch felt that his own scope for change was severely limited. Lynch was described as not being the most innovative of ministers but was particularly attentive when it came to legislation and detail. It was in this department where Lynch worked closely with Lemass and [[T. K. Whitaker]] in generating economic growth and implementing the Programme for Economic Expansion. He was also noted for his astuteness in solving several industrial disputes during his tenure at the department.