Kildare charity founder takes first steps in Seanad
Aubrey McCarthy, founder of charity Tiglinn, takes a seat in the Seanad for the Dublin University constituency
Newly elected senator Aubrey McCarthy hopes to bring his expertise in social care, rehabilitation, housing, education and sustainability to the Seanad to make a real difference.
After a five-day marathon of counting, the Naas entrepreneur, activist and philanthropist earned a seat in this year’s election.
Mr McCarthy was delighted with the recent win of his seat.
Mr McCarthy is the founder of the rehabilitation charity Tiglin, with housing units in Kildare, Wicklow and Dublin for people suffering from homelessness and addiction. Mr McCarthy's charity provides support for people in the worst times of their lives and helps them get back on track with housing assistance, education and training, and rehabilitation services.
He hopes to bring his expertise in social care, rehabilitation, housing, education and sustainability to the Seanad to make a real difference.
“I’ve been doing this in the background for nearly 20 years. Housing, education, you know," he said.
“A lot of people would know me because of Jigginstown Manor. I think people then go, oh, maybe this guy deserves a chance in politics."
Mr McCarthy was confident in his ability to represent in the Seanad.
Reflecting on the recent Seanad hustings hosted by broadcaster Áine Kerr, he said: “Everything that (Áine) brought up, I actually had a proven track record in. It sort of gives you confidence that when you're speaking, you're not bluffing.
"Often I find that when people are talking, certainly regarding politics, you're going to say, I'm going to do this, I'm going to do that. I found, well, actually, I've done this. And now let's build on that platform and do more."
Mr McCarthy received an invitation from President Higgins to the Seanad for the first meeting last Wednesday 12 February.
Speaking before that meeting, Mr McCarthy said he hoped to decide on joining a technical group.
“There are two independent technical groups, and then there might be a third. So I'm going in (Wednesday 12 February) to see what would best suit what I stand for. I've not mind made up over that yet. Then I also will be allocated an office.”
He said: “It's like starting a new school for the first time. You're getting used to where the lockers are, who do you hang around with! All of that. But listen, I'm up for it. I think it will be exciting.”
