5 Quotes & Sayings By Thomas P Oneill

Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 5, 1888. He attended Boston Latin School and graduated from Harvard University in 1910 Read more

He received his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1913 and entered private practice in Boston. During World War I, he served as a lieutenant colonel in the infantry at Camp Devens, Massachusetts. After the war he served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Massachusetts.

He became a member of the Republican National Committee in 1920 and was elected to Congress in 1922. He served five terms, leading the House of Representatives for almost six years until his death on May 19, 1976. He is known for his leadership during the Watergate scandal and his many accomplishments while serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

1
In 1977, when I became Speaker, I started meeting with TV reporters each morning when I arrived at work. Later in the morning, I would hold a news conference before the House opened. I always told the truth and almost never answered with 'no comment.' Thomas P. ONeill
2
All politics is local. Thomas P. ONeill
3
That's politics. After six o'clock, we can be friends, but before six, it's politics. Thomas P. ONeill
4
You better take advantage of the good cigars. You don't get much else in that job. Thomas P. ONeill