She previously served as Minister for Finance, and has been a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for East Londonderry since May 2016.

She proceeded to Queen's University, Belfast where she obtained a BSc and PhD in molecular mycology.

She won the seat from her party running mate Cathal Ó hOisín.

[6][7] In February 2024, she was appointed as Minister for Finance in the newly formed Northern Ireland Executive.

[8] In February 2025, as part of a Sinn Féin ministerial reshuffle, she replaced Conor Murphy as Minister for the Economy, after he was elected to the Seanad Éireann.