Michael O’Kelly served in the Royal Navy for 34 years. He saw action in the Korean War and became an Anti-Submarine Warfare specialist. After retiring as a Captain he took up an executive position with Whitberad Plc. He was a West Sussex County Councillor for eight years. With a particular interest in education, he has been Chairman of the Governors of a large Comprehensive School and remains as a Governor today. A keen sportsman, he is a member of the MCC and used to coach.
He and his wife have been married for 60 years and have four sons and twelve grandchildren. He lives near Petersfield, Hampshire where one of his sons runs an award winning independent bookshop.