Why I got involved in politics

I got involved in politics as it is sometimes the only way to really help your area to get a fair share of local an national spending and development plans.

I am passionate about the environment, community facilities, rural development, education opportunities and support for families.

I am a lifetime activist in all of these area but I feel this is the opportunity to really make a difference by letting people know what you stand for and helping them to support you in making sure it happens.

My priorities

I am the current liaison person with Westmeath County Council for rural development funding. I have given his life to public service and am passionate about rural development, sustainable planning and communities, local amenities, renewable energies, proper educational facilities and a real care for the environment.

I am a long time campaigner for the reopening of Killucan Railway station, and was secretary of the successful campaign to stop a super dump on Killucan Kinnegad road, and have spearheaded the drive for a secondary school in Kinnegad.

My priority is having appropriate services as close as possible to where people can access them. That is the only way to tackle the climate crisis.

My background

I am married to Mary and have two children. I have served over 35 years in education as a teacher and guidance counsellor and am currently principal of Dunboyne College of Further Education which is a further education/PLC college serving over 1000 students.

I was an underage GAA coach for over 25 years and has run numerous school extracurricular activities especially in the area of human rights, environment, Cooperation North, and community development.

I have a degree in Arts and a Master’s degree in Equality Studies from UCD, as well as a postgraduate degree in Guidance from Maynooth University.

Originally from Mayo, I also spent 11 early years in Chicago, taught in Dublin for 12 years, but I have spent most of my adult life in Kinnegad where I chaired the Kinnegad Action Plan steering group and founded the Kinnegad Community Council where I served 10 years as secretary.

Clubs and Committees

I am currently chair of the Kinnegad Action Group and assist with the Tidy Towns and Christmas lights groups in the town. I am also chair of the Killucan Kinnegad Transport Lobby Group. I am assistant Treasurer of Coralstown Kinnegad GAA.

I served 5 years as a director on the board of Bord na Mona and I served on the boards of Greenpeace, Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment, and NICHS a North South Children’s Charity. I also worked actively for many years with Trocaire, the Chernobyl Children’s Project, Amnesty International, and the Irish Wheelchair Association.

I received a Civic Merit Award from President Mary McAleese for 25 years as a President’s Award Leader. I have extensive experience in the area of the environment, producing and presenting a radio programme on environmental issues for five years for Midlands 103.

I worked for many local and national transport, environment, community development and charity organisations and have served as Chairperson of the Westmeath Heritage Forum.