Why I got involved in politics

As a proud Wexford woman, I have dedicated my life to the betterment of others through arts, education and leadership. Now in the final year of my PhD, I have the desire, determination and opportunity to make a far greater difference as a local representative. 

In my five years as the first female principal of CBS Primary Wexford, I have developed a huge insight into the challenges faced by all sectors of our society. Naturally I advocate for families in our community and if elected, I will be in a position to do so much more. I am both a passionate educator and an innovator. I have introduced many new initiatives as a positive response to meet the needs of CBS pupils and their families.

I believe I have the skillset to be an effective member of the Labour Party by contributing to and supporting meaningful change as we seek to create an ‘Ireland that works for all.

My priorities

• Working towards housing policy that is responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.
• Advocating for early intervention in all aspects of children and family services especially mental health and disability services.
• Strengthening community and local business links throughout Wexford.
• Seeking equity in access to quality and affordable childcare for families.
• Promoting the Arts and seeking increases in funding for Arts initiatives.
• Making Wexford the best town in Ireland to live in by ensuring everyone in our community has their voice represented.
• Being part of the solution by doing, not just talking.

My background

I am married to Michael and we have three teenage sons. As a working mum in a busy farming household, I recognise how agriculture plays a vital role in our town and county for biodiversity, for sustainability and how we need to nurture and strengthen our national agricultural policy.  

I have worked as a mainstream teacher, a teaching principal and am currently an administrative principal of a growing school in Wexford. I am also actively involved with the Irish Primary Principal’s Network (IPPN) at local level where I sit on the Wexford Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC) and at national level where I am the Wexford Rep on the Advocacy and Communications committee of the IPPN.

I am chairperson of the Voluntary Board of Management of Wexford Women’s Refuge and we are a ‘flagship project’ for government with regard to the provision of Domestic Violence Refuges in Ireland. We are working closely with various agencies as we move towards the completion and delivery of the first Domestic Violence Refuge in Ireland under the new legislation.

I also have the privilege of being an experienced musician and music teacher. I worked for many years designing and implementing Arts curricula in schools throughout Wexford.  I have worked with local communities to produce and direct shows and musicals. As a professional saxophone and clarinet player I play all genres of music, from classical to Jazz, and have performed both nationally and internationally. As an accompanist (piano/keyboard) I regularly accompany church services, mass, church and children’s choirs.  Playing music is a great source of happiness and joy for me and I believe everyone should have equal opportunity to access the arts in a similar manner to access to sport and sports facilities.