Sinéad Gibney | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Gibney in 2024 | |
| Teachta Dála | |
| Assumed office November 2024 | |
| Constituency | Dublin Rathdown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1976/1977 (age 48–49)[1] |
| Political party | Social Democrats |
| Spouse | Mark |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | |
Sinéad Gibney (born 1976/1977) is an IrishSocial Democrats politician who has been aTeachta Dála (TD) for theDublin Rathdown constituency since the2024 general election.[2][3] She is the Social Democrats Spokesperson for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Defence.[4]
Gibney was born and grew up inBlackrock.[1] She is a cousin of the comedianDes Bishop.[5]
Gibney graduated with aBachelor of Arts (BA) in History and Politics fromUlster University.[6] During her time at Ulster, Gibney was a Student Union officer and president.[7] She went on to complete aMaster of Science (MSc) in IT and Education atTrinity College Dublin; a postgraduate certificate in Cyberpsychology atDún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT); and another MSc in Equality Studies atUniversity College Dublin (UCD).[8]
Before entering politics, Gibney was the Chief Commissioner of theIrish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC).[9] Gibney resigned from the position ahead of her entering national politics in 2024. Gibney was previously chair of the single-parent support organisation "One Family",[10] and previously worked as head of social action atGoogle.[11]
Gibney ran for a seat onDún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council in theBlackrock area at the2019 local elections on behalf of theSocial Democrats, but was not successful.[12] In 2024, she stood for the party inDublin at the2024 European Parliament elections, placing 9th.[12] Following the European elections, Gibney publicly discussed the financial cost of campaigning on such a large scale, revealing a personal loss of €20,000 after falling just 440 votes short of the 18,836 required to reclaim her €1,800 deposit. Running in the Dublin constituency, Gibney sold her car to help fund her campaign, raised €15,000 through crowdfunding, and received €25,000 from the Social Democrats, with total expenses amounting to €60,000. Speaking after her elimination, she described the outcome as "gut-wrenching" and highlighted the challenges faced by smaller parties with limited resources.[9][13]
In May 2024, Gibney's decision to step down as IHREC chief commissioner to run for the European Parliament raised concerns about politicisation and conflicts of interest. Internal meetings acknowledged risks to IHREC's impartiality, leading to governance measures like updating its risk register and limiting Gibney's duties. While no conflicts were logged, her attendance at a leadership forum against most commissioners' advice drew criticism. Gibney defended her actions, citing her commitment to a professional handover. She denied her departure was tied to pay discussions and highlighted personal financial sacrifices for her campaign, amid earlier informal talks with the Social Democrats.[14]
At the2024 general election, Gibney was elected to the Dáil in theDublin Rathdown constituency.[12][3]
Gibney supported both Yes positions in the2024 Irish constitutional referendums.[10]
Gibney has stated she supports addressing the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence with a focus on its potential to create a more balanced working life and increase leisure time. She views AI as a progressive force if managed effectively, rather than solely as a threat to jobs.[10]
In March 2024 Gibney criticised housing policy delays in the EU, particularly Green MEPCiarán Cuffe's late push for an EU-wide housing plan, which she believes should have been prioritised earlier.[10]
Gibney has expressed disappointment inClare Daly's comments onRussia andChina but commended Daly's stance onPalestine.[10]
Gibney became a single mother at age 23. She is married to Mark.[15] She has been open about quitting drinking and the positive impact sobriety has had on her life.[15][5]
In March 2025 in theDáil Éireann Register of Interests, Gibney declared that she rents out a property inBlackrock, Dublin and did not list her occupation as a landlord, indicating her rental income in the relevant period did not exceed €2,600.[16][17] She also declared in the Register of Interests that this is the sole property she owns.[16]