Catherine Ardagh (42) is a first-time TD for Fianna Fáil after narrowly missing out in Dublin South Central in the 2016 and 2020 general elections.

Originally from Crumlin, she is the daughter of the late Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ardagh. She has been a senator since 2016 and is a qualified solicitor. Ardagh was also Fianna Fail Seanad leader in recent years. She has spoken in the past about challenges in finding a school place for one of her children who is autistic.

Last October, she called on the Minister for Special Education Hildegarde Naughton to address issues with access to appropriate education for children with special needs as a “matter of urgency”.

Prior to her election to the Seanad, Ardagh sat on Dublin City Council representing the Crumlin-Kimmage electoral area from 2014-16. She is married with two children and is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and King’s Inns.