I am delighted that Leo Varadkar has been elected to represent this country as Taoiseach. The Fine Gael party needs a strong leader and the country deserves a brilliant Taoiseach; I have no doubt that he will deliver on both fronts. Commiserations to Simon Coveney who put forward a very stong campaign and did himself proud. 

I was extremely proud to be a member of the Battle of Ashbourne Commemorative Committee in 2016. We attended some amazing events and the whole experience is something that I will always remember. 

Our Living History Festival is on the 22nd of April! Visit the website below for more information:

http://battleofashbourne1916.weebly.com/

It is really important that Fine Gael encourage young people to join the party. The voice of the youth is a voice for change. Contact me if you want more information about how to get involved as a YFG member!

In October 2016, I ran the Mo'Run 5K, in Phoenix Park, in aid of promoting men's health. This encompasses mental and physical health. I am proud to have been able to participate in this event (in costume!!!) and it was for a very worthy cause.

I am very physically active and running is one of the best ways I find to keep fit. For the past 6 years, I have organised the annual Ashbourne 6&10K Road Race and Fun Run. This event is sponsored by many local businesses each year and the proceeds are donated to charities around the area. 

I join the fight against depression by supporting Aware. I am passionate about promoting positive mental health in Ashbourne. There is almost nothing worse than suffering with a mental health disorder. It can be an all-consuming entity that makes people feel very lonely and isolated. I strongly empathise with anyone who is affected, be it themselves or a family member. Through awareness campaigns, we can help to fight the battle against mental illness.

Visit the news section of my website to get a full list of all the events taking place across the Boyne Valley region in 2017!

Meath is a stunning county, situated in Ireland's Ancient East... we have so much to offer in terms of food, shopping, tourism and recreation. 

After the major public outrcy in 2016 as a result of an off-hand comment I made about restricted dog breeds, I made the decision to learn more about animal behaviour. In this picture, I met with one of these restricted breeds in an animal shelter in Ballivor. 

I have always been an animal lover, with a beautiful dog and cat of my own. Prior to this incident, I had been researching how to improve animal welfare and management in Meath; in 2015 I put forward a motion to Meath County Council to ring-fence funds generated from the dog licence fee to improve conditions in the local pound and to provide dog foul bins. In 2016, I put forward a motion asking Meath Co.Co. to ban all circuses using wild animals for entertainment in Meath; this motion was adopted by the Council. 

I will endeavour, in 2017, to continue to work hard to ensure that improved animal welfare provisions are put in place. For more information, see my Animal Care & Management Section.