Why I got involved in politics

I have always been interested in politics and a keen labour supporter both here and in the UK.

In 2020 I became very ill with Covid19. I now have some permanent health complications that have caused me to move back permanently to Letterkenny. The process of relocation and illness was very difficult and I came up against many issues along the way. Fortunately for me, I had the time and the ability to deal with those issues however I have since encountered many people who have not been so successful. I have become involved in local politics to help people deal with issues that they cannot resolve on their own. I also see local politics as a way to repay the people of Letterkenny who were so supportive of me during my illness and recovery so far.

I am firmly committed to the Labour party principles of Fairness, Justice and Equality and am proud to be an advocate for all people on those grounds.

My priorities

1) Justice: 100% redress for those affected by the defective concrete crisis equal to that offered by the Leinster Pyrite Board.

2) Equality: A reliable and affordable public transport service equal to that in the rest of the country. A road system to relieve the traffic problems in Letterkenny and to increase connectivity to the North-West.

3) Fairness: A housing plan that works for all our residents with increased availability of affordable housing to buy or rent.

My background

Letterkenny native Michael took a degree in Music and Languages at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, where he was a chamber chorister and regularly performed on RTE radio and television. He began his formal singing training with the late Dr Veronica Dunne in Dublin before completing postgraduate study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (London) where he held Rosamunde Mott and Kathleen creed scholarships. Michael has worked extensively as an Opera soloist throughout the UK, Ireland and Germany with highlights including the Role of Dr. Garrigan in the Last King of Scotland at the Royal Opera House and singing for the late Queen Elizabeth at a special concert to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Michael was in much demand as a choir leader in London and was Founding Director of the Princess Alice Hospice and Strawberry Hill House community choirs. He combined these choirs to perform at Cadogan Hall, London in aid of the Hospice. Michael piloted the Choir in every care home in London which went on to become a national care policy throughout the UK.

Michael also taught both in Donegal and in London where he was Director of Music in several prestigious Schools including Kings College Wimbledon.

In 2020 Michael contracted Covid 19 and was in High Dependency in Letterkenny University Hospital. Despite an initially worrying prognosis he has recovered well and is learning to manage the complications in his respiratory system.

Michael is currently undertaking a PhD in Music at Trinity College Dublin where he is carrying out research on Community Choirs.

This passion for community honed through all his musical experiences is the driving force behind his standing for local election for the Labour Party in 2024.

Clubs and Committees

Michael is a member of Equity UK; The teaching council of Ireland; The General Teaching Council UK; and The Society for Musicology in Ireland.