Michael Grattan O'Leary | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Michael Grattan O'Leary

Michael Grattan O'Leary, journalist, senator (b at Gaspé, Qué 19 Feb 1889; d at Ottawa 7 Apr 1976). O'Leary joined Ottawa's Press Gallery in 1911, representing the OTTAWA JOURNAL. He was close to most Conservative Party leaders.

O'Leary, Michael Grattan

Michael Grattan O'Leary, journalist, senator (b at Gaspé, Qué 19 Feb 1889; d at Ottawa 7 Apr 1976). O'Leary joined Ottawa's Press Gallery in 1911, representing the OTTAWA JOURNAL. He was close to most Conservative Party leaders. PM Arthur MEIGHEN took him along to the 1921 Imperial Conference, and O'Leary repaid the favour by standing as Gaspé's candidate in 1925, though unsuccessfully. O'Leary also supported Liberal ministers, such as C.D. HOWE, in columns and editorials. He eventually became editor of the Journal, which earned a reputation for high literary standards and good reporting. In 1961 O'Leary headed the Royal Commission on Publications, and in 1962 PM John DIEFENBAKER appointed him to the Senate.