About Me

Education

I was educated in St. Malachy’s National School, Dundalk, Co. Louth and at the Holy Family Convent National and Secondary Schools in Droichead Nua, Co. Kildare. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Politics from UCD and a Higher Diploma in Architectural Technology from the Dublin Institute of Technology.

Work

I am a successful businesswoman having co-founded Lir Chocolates with Connie Doody in 1987. Lir Chocolates now employs 200 people in ever-expanding premises in Navan IDA Business Park, Navan, Co. Meath.

Family

I was born in Dundalk in 1944, the eldest of six children in my family. I am married to Mr. Padraic White, one of the architects of what is known worldwide as the “Celtic Tiger” economy. Padraic was Managing Director of the Industrial Development Authority of Ireland (IDA) from 1980 – 1990, the body entrusted with national responsibility for the promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Ireland. Padraic and I have one daughter, Clionadh.

Public Life

I was elected to Seanad Éireann in July 2002 having been nominated by the Irish Exporters Association. I had already served an apprenticeship of over 20 years as an active contributor on a volunteer basis to politics in Ireland. From 1993 – 1998, I was twice elected a member of the National Executive of the Fianna Fáil Party, the largest political party in Ireland. In 2004 I topped the poll in the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary election to the National Executive.

I am a driven and passionate individual. My vision is for an Ireland at peace with itself, one where there is mutual respect for one another’s differences and where those that are currently marginalized, whether through conflict or poverty, can experience human dignity.

I have a passionate commitment to advancing the peace process in the North of Ireland. I have for the past 8 years been a trusted observer for the Taoisigh of Ireland in relation to events in the North and has led many groups of Dublin Fianna Fáil women to areas such as Drumcree and West Belfast. I have had meetings with ex-prisoners of both sides of the political divide in the North and has built up trusting relationships with both sides of the community.

As Chairwoman of The President’s Award – Gaisce of Ireland I was directly involved in making available in 2001 for the first time, the right of young people in the North of Ireland to receive the medals of The President’s Award. President Mary McAleese of Ireland presented the first medals to the young people in Belfast in October 2001.

I was a member of the Dublin City Enterprise Board Evaluation Committee from 1993 – 1997 having been appointed by the Dublin City Manager, Mr. Frank Feely. I was appointed to the Higher Education Authority of Ireland by the then Taoiseach, Mr. Charles Haughey from 1990 – 1995. In 1993, the Taoiseach Mr. Albert Reynolds appointed me to the Board of The National College of Art
and Design. In 1997, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern appointed me to An Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board.

During my first term in Seanad Éireann, I served as the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson in the Seanad on Trade and Commerce. I was also a
member of the Joint Committee on Finance and Public Service.

I sought re-election to the Seanad in 2007, once again on the Industrial and Commercial Panel, and successfully took the fifth seat on this nine-seat panel.

Summary of my involvement in Public Life:

  • Member of Fianna Fáil since 1983;
  • Member of the Fianna Fáil National Executive 1993 – 1998, 2004 – Present;
  • Member of the Irish Exporters Association;
  • Council Member of Institute of International Trade of Ireland;
  • Member of the Marketing Institute of Ireland;
  • Member of the Higher Education Authority 1990 – 1995;
  • Member of the Board of the National College of Art and Design 1993 – 1996;
  • Member of the Dublin City Enterprise Board Evaluation Committee 1993 – 1997;
  • Elected member to the Council of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce 1996 – 2001;
  • Chairwoman of Presidents Award – Gaisce 1999 – 2001;
  • Board Member of An Bord Bia, 1997 – 2002;
  • Elected member of Seanad Éireann in July 2002;
  • Re-elected to Seanad Éireann in July 2007.