After running unsuccessfully in the Dáil elections of 1989, 1992 and 1997, he was finally elected a TD for Dublin South-West in 2002. He lost his seat in 2007 but regained it in 2011.

Outgoing | Dublin South-West
After running unsuccessfully in the Dáil elections of 1989, 1992 and 1997, he was finally elected a TD for Dublin South-West in 2002. He lost his seat in 2007 but regained it in 2011.