Profile

Political Record

2011: Re-elected as Teachta Dála

2010: Appointed Minister for Social Protection

2007: Appointed Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

2002: Appointed Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

2001-2002: Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, with special responsibility for Rural Development.

1997-2001: Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and Islands with special responsibility for the Gaeltacht, Irish language and island development.

1991-97: Member Galway County Council and of a number of subsidiary Committees

1995-1997: Party Spokesman for Islands, Gaeltacht and Rural Development

1994-97 Member of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation.

1992: Elected to Dáil Éireann

1989-92: Elected Senator on the Cultural and Educational Panel.

Personal Details

Born Dublin, June 1950.

Married to Áine Ní Choincheannain; three sons, one daughter.

Educated Oatlands College, Mount Merrion, Dublin and UCD (BSc).

Former Manager of a Gaeltacht Co-Operative involved in establishing local businesses including agricultural services, timber milling, tourism and cultural and social development.