Personal Profile

I was born in Cork on January 20th 1968, educated in Upper Glanmire National School and thereafter in Sacred Heart College, Carrignavar, Co. Cork.

Following secondary school I went on to Pallaskenry Agricultural College in Co. Limerick.

I am married to Liza and we have three children.

Political Background

• Contested the 1992 General Election
• Appointed to the Senate in 1993 by then Taoiseach Albert Reynolds.
• In 1997 I again went forward as a candidate in the General Election and was successful. Thanks to the people of Cork North Central I have retained my seat in the following two elections in 2002 and 2007.
• I have served on many Oireachtas Committees.
• Represented the North East Ward in Cork City Council following the Local Elections in 1999.
• I served as Deputy Government Whip from 2002 to 2007.
• In 2007 I was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment with responsibility for Labour Affairs by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.
• Following a reshuffle by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen in April 2009 I was given the portfolio for Trade and Commerce.
• In February 2011 I was successfully returned to the Dáil following the General Election.