IVOR CALLELY, Senator. -- DUBLIN NORTH CENTRAL

Ivor Callely ws first elected to Dublin City Council in 1985.  His election to Dáil Éireann followed in 1989, and he has topped the poll on numerous occasions.  He is typical of the newer generation of Public Representative, having forged his career based on commitment to his constituents and grass roots issues.

Ivor has been a key figure for Fianna Fáil in North Dublin and is regarded as having personally delivered the third Fianna Fáil seat in the 1989 General Election, considered as one of the most difficult election of all time for Fianna Fáil.

His hard work and vote attraction was recognized with a string of appointments to key positions through the years.  In 1991, he became the youngest ever elected Chairman of the Eastern Health Board, Chairman of the Child Care Advisory Committee and in 2000 the first Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

From 1993 to 1995, Ivor was Fianna Fáil Assistant Whip and in 1995 was appointed Policy Coordinator;  position which gave him a deep insight into fundamental Fianna Fáil Party issues.  Following the 1997 General Election where Ivor topped the poll, he was appointed Chairperson of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business.

The 2002 General Election saw Ivor manage the Fianna Fáil vote in Dublin North Central in an effort to deliver a third seat for the party.  The strategy, while failing narrowly, received many plaudits from commentators and party officials.

Ivor’s appointment to the position of Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children in 2002 was a further recognition of his work ethic and organisational capabilities.  In 2004, Ivor was appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Transport where he remained until December 2005.  He was nominated to Seanad Éireann in 2007 and appointed Government Spokesman on Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Married to Jennifer, they have three children.  He was educated and continues to live in Dublin North Central.