Anyone who meets Finian McGrath gets an immediate sense that he genuinely care about people.

Shortly after that they perceive his strong sense of community spirit and appreciate he is a man of integrity. Anyone who knows his history knows how deeply ingrained in his personality these characteristics are.

As the Principal of a North Inner-City primary school, he is remembered for his fairness and honesty by pupils, parents and colleagues alike. Finian experienced at first hand many facets of social disadvantage and these memories remain an important driving force for his work today. His concern for the disadvantaged has taken him into a wide variety of Jobs.

He was a full-time volunteer with the Simon Community, an organisation which helps the homeless throughout Ireland.

Finian has also been chairperson of the Dublin branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, an area very close to his heart, and was an active member of Cumann an MBunscol G.A.A.

As a founder member of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (I.N.T.O.) Credit Union, Finian has made a significant contribution to the teaching community.

Finian has two daughters, Caoimhe and Cliodhna, who have been a major positive influence in his life.

As a board member of 'Northside for the Unemployed' Finian has helped create support structures and opportunities for the long term unemployed in the area.

He was also a founder member and one-time Chairperson of the Charlemont Residents Association. All of these demonstrate the reality of his philosophy - 'Working for the Community, Living in the Community'.

The obvious honesty of his personality, policies and philosophy has resonated with the local public who voted him first onto Dublin City Council in 1999 and then into Daiil Eireann as an independent T.D. in the 2002 General Election.

He values this independence as it allows him to truly represent the people of Dublin North Central without the burden of party politics and their petty point-scoring.

I No one will be surprised to hear that he has been extremely active and has served as a member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights and the sub-committee on the Barron Report and also on the Climate Change Committee.

People who hear all about his career so far find it hard to believe the man is, by his own admission, only 29 and 'a number of months'. He grew up in a
family with a strong work ethic and this remains with him today.

Finian has also continued with his voluntary work with the Marino/Fairview Home Help and the Northside Centre for the Unemployed. He has fought for jobs and investment in our area. Finian was one of the first politicians to take a voluntary pay cut when the Economic Crisis started and also donates part of this salary to voluntary and community groups, and people in need.

Finian also led from the front when it came to the current economic crisis. He did not sit on the fence and put his people and country first.

One thing you can be sure of, Finian will continue to stand up for the people of Dublin North Central , minority groups and for the individual against vested interests. In Dail Eireann, he continues to take particular interest in issues relating to the elderly, disabilities, children, health, education,
jobs, investment, human rights and the peace process.

All in all, he definitely is the sort of person you would want representing you in Dail Eireann.

"Dublin T.D. Finian McGath has long champion of social causes"
- Women's Way

"Finian McGath is a strong contender for the best of the Independents.
He is a person of integrity and a committed worker"
- Irish Times

"Works longer hours than even the Taoiseach"
- Evening Herald

"We answers questions with the speed and seriousness of a Government Minister"
- Magill

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