Danny learned the value of hard work at an early age, often accompanying his lawyer father on trips to the southern shore for court trials. He witnessed his father's tireless efforts fighting for justice. These experiences became significant drivers in shaping his passions - politics and the law.

Danny was educated at St. Bonaventure's College, Gonzaga High School and Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he studied political science and economics. Awarded the Rhodes Scholarship in 1969, he received a degree in Arts in Law from Oxford University in England, and returned to Canada to earn a Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University in Halifax. He has been practising law in Newfoundland and Labrador since 1972 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1984. He has received formal recognition for his tireless efforts, and was named Memorial's Financial Executive of the Year in 1992, Gonzaga High School's Alumnus of the Year in 1994 and Memorial University's Entrepreneur of the Year in 1998.

While studying at Dalhousie, Danny led a consortium of business people seeking Newfoundland and Labrador's first cable television license. The widespread, community-based group was successfully awarded a CRTC cable license on Christmas Eve 1975. Through the years, he guided Cable Atlantic through acquisitions of systems in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Port aux Basques and other centres. The company experienced extensive growth and development of new business ventures which made it one of the largest communications companies in Atlantic Canada. It was recently purchased by Rogers Communications Inc. He has been recognized by the industry numerous times as one of Canada's foremost cable television visionaries.

In recent years he has become involved in Newfoundland and Labrador's oil and gas industry as President of OIS Fisher, an offshore oil and gas supply and services company. He is a big believer in Newfoundland and Labrador companies having direct involvement in the province's burgeoning resource development.

Danny also recognizes the enormous opportunity facing Newfoundland and Labrador's hospitality and tourism industry. He became active in the industry eight years ago and is now involved in the ownership and operation of three golf courses and one hotel resort. He knows from first-hand experience that the industry has the potential to flourish, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world to experience the province's uniqueness and beauty.

Danny has always had a strong sense of community and sport. He has been actively involved in hockey as a player and coach, and has participated at the executive level where he was the founder and President of the St. John's Junior Hockey League. He was instrumental in bringing the St. John's Maple Leafs AHL team to St. John's to which he serves as Vice Chair, and was a significant driver in making Mile One Stadium, the new 6,000-seat entertainment complex, a reality. He is also a member of the Board of Governor's of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

He has served on numerous boards of corporations and has held other notable positions such as Chairman of the Canadian Parliamentary Channel (CPAC), Chairman of the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, and Chairman of the Provincial Government Offshore Oil Impact Advisory Council. He has also served on a variety of charitable organizations such as Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Iris Kirby House, and the Arthritis Society.

A devoted family man, he is married to Maureen (Power) and has four children Jillian (and Trevor) Morris, Daniel, Jane and Katie. He has two grandchildren, Abbigayle and Gabriel.

In December 2000, Danny announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Newfoundland and Labrador Progressive Conservative Party. He was sworn in as Leader at the Party's April 7, 2001 leadership convention. On June 19, he was elected the Member of the House of Assembly for Humber West District. With his swearing-in as MHA on August 2, he officially became Leader of the province's Official Opposition.

On October 21, 2003, he was elected premier of Newfoundland Labrador. He was sworn in on Thursday, November 6, 2003.

Premiers of the province of Newfoundland since 1949, the year Newfoundland joined the Confederation of Canada.