Jen Cummins (49), who only became a local councillor for the Social Democrats in June, took a seat in Dublin South Central at the first attempt.
Originally from Clonsilla, she is the co-ordinator of the Ballymun Anseo school completion programme, where she works with eight DEIS schools to help students reach their potential.
She had represented the electoral ward of the south-west inner city on Dublin City Council over the last six months. She also recently completed a doctorate in education. She says she is passionate about the areas of education and youth work.
Ms Cummins said her decision to run for the Dáil was to make the country “a better place” for children and young people. “We need a more compassionate, inclusive society that gives every child and young person a fair chance to thrive,” she said.
Ms Cummins currently lives in the Liberties with her husband and their four children. She is a graduate of Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin and DCU.
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