I’m a Dublin City Councillor for the Labour Party representing my local area of Artane/Whitehall which encompasses most of Dublin 17, Dublin 9 and Dublin 5 . I’ve lived in my local area for more than 25 years and am aware of the need to ensure that it is well served and supported.

Having been first elected to Dublin City Council in 2014 I’m now serving my second as a local Labour Councillor. I am a strong and determined voice for sustainable housing and appropriate development across our area, effective public transport and public infrastructure, well resourced emergency services and more local community/recreation amenities – green spaces, play grounds and meeting spaces with organised activities.

I am also Chairperson of Dublin City Council’s Strategic Policy Committee on Housing. One of my aims in undertaking this role is to develop a working definition of public housing and a pathway towards a more sustainable  approach for all citizens, regardless of income, to realise a secure roof over their heads.

My local priorities

At a local level my priorities are ensuring that

• Clean, safe, green communities
• Transport and traffic management that serve our everyday needs
• Well planned sustainable housing and local development
• Local recreational and sports facilities that promote community activity and inclusion
• Increased resources for Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service and local Gardai
• Support for local businesses and the creation of local employment opportunities
• Good communication & consultation with local residents on key issues

At a national level, I particularly advocate on the following issues

• quality public services, particularly education and community childcare
• decent working terms, conditions and wages for all workers
• a greener, more sustainable environment
• greater income equality where everyone contributes to our society proportionate to his/her financial ability

Through this blog/site I hope you can get to know me and what I stand for a little better.

My values

I believe in actively participating in and contributing positively to local community and national issues – walking the walk rather than just talking the talk.

My underpinning philosophy is one of social and economic equality where all citizens’ rights are respected. However, with rights come responsibility, a responsibility to ensure that we do our utmost to uphold these rights, hence my normal day job as a trade union official with the INTO.

Politically, I joined the Labour Party because it matches my values – a progressive equal society underpinned by a strong fair economy with decent jobs. With my right to have my voice heard comes the responsibility of representing the voices of others and striving a better fairer Ireland.

My activism

Being active first began as a teacher in Our Lady Immaculate SNS in Darndale where, through the INTO, I called for better, more targeted resources and services for disadvantaged DEIS schools. Since then, I’ve engaged with campaigns that promote a better fairer way, a way that supports all citizens socially and economically and that seek the realisation of the right of every single individual to live with dignity and realise his/her full potential.

My work in INTO mostly  involves working on equality issues and developing  professional development courses for primary schools and primary teachers. These courses  are designed by teachers for teachers and support good teaching and learning.