Mr Flanagan was elected by the charity’s general assembly to succeed Pat Carey, who served in the role for three terms over 10 years.

A solicitor and long-serving public representative, Mr Flanagan was first elected to the Dáil in 1987 for the Laois–Offaly constituency.

A member of Fine Gael, he held a number of senior roles including chair of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, Fine Gael party chief whip, spokesperson on law reform, minister for children, and minister for foreign affairs and trade.

He later served as minister for justice before stepping down from the cabinet in 2020. Most recently, he chaired the Oireachtas foreign affairs and defence committee, where he worked extensively on humanitarian issues.

Throughout his career, Mr Flanagan has maintained a deep interest in international affairs and humanitarian action. He has travelled extensively in humanitarian contexts, including to Mozambique with Irish Aid, to Ukraine on three occasions, and multiple visits to Gaza and the Middle East.

He also currently volunteers on the board of a cross-border peace-keeping charity, Co-operation Ireland, where he serves as vice-chair.

Irish Red Cross secretary general Deirdre Garvey said: “Pat Carey has been a remarkable leader of integrity and compassion.

“Over the past 10 years, he has steered the Irish Red Cross through an era of immense change and challenge, not least our unprecedented response to the war in Ukraine and the challenges faced by members, communities and the public during the Covid-19 years.

“Charlie Flanagan brings a powerful blend of domestic and international experience, a deep understanding of humanitarian issues, and a passion for volunteerism.

“I have no doubt he will be an outstanding chair as we work to strengthen our services and build a more resilient, compassionate Ireland.”