She served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Dublin constituency from 2019 to 2024 and a Teachta Dála (TD) from 1992 to 2002 and 2011 to 2019.

Born in Croom, County Limerick, she was educated at the Holy Family Secondary School Newbridge, the Dominican College Sion Hill, University College Dublin and the London School of Economics, where she studied a Masters in Social Administration and Social Work.

[12][13] Fitzgerald has spoken out in support of young families and believes the government should take a more proactive role in helping parents and children.

[18] After Leo Varadkar was elected Leader of Fine Gael, and by extension Taoiseach-designate, he was asked whether he would make his rival Simon Coveney Tánaiste.

[19] On his appointment as Taoiseach, Varadkar retained Fitzgerald as Tánaiste, but moved her from Justice and Equality to Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

[20] In November 2017, Fitzgerald was accused of interference in the case of a whistleblower, who had claimed widespread malpractice and corruption in the Garda Síochána.

[24] In October 2018, the third interim report of the Disclosures Tribunal found that she had "selflessly" resigned in the national interest.

[25] On 4 March 2019, Fine Gael announced that Fitzgerald would be one of their two candidates for the Dublin constituency in the 2019 European Parliament election.

[26] Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan, who joined Fine Gael to contest the election, was also announced as the second candidate.