A dry stock cattle farmer from Lowertown near Schull on the Mizen Peninsula, Michael Collins first became involved in politics through community activism more than 30 years ago.
A father of three adult children, the 56-year-old is in a long-term relationship with his partner Valerie Ward.
He was first elected as an independent local councillor in 2014 when he topped the poll and went on to win a Dáil seat at the 2016 general election.
In the 2020 general election he topped the poll and was elected on the first count.
In November 2023 he formed the Independent Ireland party with Limerick TD Richard O’Donoghue, joined later by Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice. With Collins as leader, the party saw 23 candidates elected at the 2024 local elections, including his two brothers Danny and John.
Former RTÉ journalist Ciaran Mullooly became the party’s first MEP when he was elected in Midlands-North West.
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