Catherine Callaghan | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Callaghan in 2024 | |
| Teachta Dála | |
| Assumed office November 2024 | |
| Constituency | Carlow–Kilkenny |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1974/1975 (age 49–50) |
| Political party | Fine Gael |
| Children | 3 |
Catherine Callaghan (born 1974/1975) is an Irish politician who serves as aTeachta Dála (TD) for theCarlow–Kilkenny constituency since the2024 general election. She is the first female memberFine Gael to represent the constituency.
Callaghan was a member of theDefence Forces and served in the Lebanon during her six years of service in theIrish Air Corps.[1] She is a farmer and business owner who also works as a special needs assistant.[2]
At the2024 Irish local elections Callaghan ran for a seat onCarlow County Council, but lost by one vote. It was the first elected office that Callaghan sought.[1]
At the2024 general election Callaghan was elected to theTeachta Dála from theCarlow–Kilkenny constituency. She was the first woman nominated byFine Gael in the constituency.[1] The party selected her for their list overPat Deering, a former member of the Teachta Dála.[3] She was the only Fine Gael candidate fromCounty Carlow.[4]
During Callaghan's time in the Dáil, she has served on the Defence and National Security, and the Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration committees.[5] She is the chair of the Members' Interests committee.[6]
Callaghan is critical of Ireland'striple lock system and states that it allows for Russia to veto Irish participation in peacekeeping missions, with no missions being approved by theUnited Nations Security Council from 2014 to 2025.[7] Callaghan supports creating a national day of appreciation for the Defence Forces.[8]
Callaghan is the mother of three children.[2]