Achievements

Jobs and the Economy
A job is the best protection and security anyone can have. As a small business owner, a Cllr and now a Senator job protection and creation has been my priority:

• I proposed a wage subsidy to help young people get their first full time job.

• I have lobbied for a better deal on welfare support for the self employed.

• I am working to increase offshore wind energy, forestry, agri-fuel crops, recycling and to support small food growers. These will deliver more jobs locally.

• I campaigned to secure €2m of R&D investment in Green Energy for Louth.
• My pre budget submission focuses on local jobs by keeping VAT low and creating a cross-border development zone with Newry, providing tax incentives for innovation/job creation.
• I proposed the employment of the Town Centre Commercial Manager for Dundalk, bringing life and jobs back to the town centre.
• I campaigned consistently to reduce commercial rates in Dundalk back to 2003 levels. Rates have also reduced in Drogheda and countrywide since then. This helps to cut costs and protect jobs. 

Social Protection:

• I have consistently defended education budgets.

• I campaigned for the Louth Hospital and am lobbying for a new cross-border regional hospital for the North East.

• I chair an addiction councelling service and the Drugs Action Group (DDAG).