Charlie McCreevy was the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services from 2004–10. He played a crucial role in overseeing the European financial system, regulations governing the banking system and the development of a single market in financial services throughout the EU. He has a reputation as an experienced,... Read more
Charlie McCreevy was the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services from 2004–10. He played a crucial role in overseeing the European financial system, regulations governing the banking system and the development of a single market in financial services throughout the EU.
He has a reputation as an experienced, lively and sometimes outspoken commentator on issues relating to Ireland’s economy and to Europe – from the current Eurozone economic crisis, to the future of the EU and the challenges facing the European financial services sector.
Charlie McCreevy was an active member of Irish political life from his first election to The Dáil (Irish Parliament) in 1977 as a Fianna Fáil TD and held the seat in Kildare (and later Kildare North) until 2004 when he became Ireland’s European Commissioner. In successive governments he served as Minister for Social Welfare (1992–93), Minister for Tourism and Trade (1993–94), Frontbench Spokesperson on Finance (1995-97) and Minister for Finance (1997–2004).
During his term as Minister for Finance, he was responsible for many changes to simplify the tax system and presided over Ireland’s entry to the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union, and later, the changeover to the Euro. His tenure coincided with a period of rapid growth in Ireland’s economy on the back of a low company tax rate; substantial foreign investment; social partnership between employers, government and unions; and membership of the European Community – which provided payments for infrastructural development and export access to the Single Market. The country became known as the “Celtic Tiger” and attracted investment from international companies such as Dell and Microsoft. He maintained a significant surplus during his tenure, simultaneously implementing a tax-cutting programme, major increases in health, education and pension spending as well as increasing investment in infrastructural development to 5% of GNP. Unemployment consequently fell from 10% to 4.4%.
After resigning as European Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy joined the board of the UK’s biggest sporting goods retailer Sports Direct, as non-executive director in 2011. He also serves on the board of Ryanair, the budget airline. He has served as a director of Ryanair since 2010.
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You can book Charlie McCreevy through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Charlie's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Charlie McCreevy's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Charlie tailored to your event.
Charlie McCreevy speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Charlie to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Charlie McCreevy for events worldwide, subject to Charlie's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Charlie McCreevy is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Charlie can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Charlie McCreevy on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Charlie can offer.
Charlie McCreevy delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Charlie McCreevy's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Charlie's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Charlie McCreevy can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Charlie's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Charlie McCreevy is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Charlie McCreevy, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Charlie's current availability for your dates.