He represented the electoral district of Cape Breton Centre in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1989 to 1998.
[3][4] Following graduation, MacNeil was a physical education teacher in New Waterford, and later served as the recreation director for the province of Nova Scotia.
[4] MacNeil entered provincial politics in 1989, running as the Liberal candidate in a Cape Breton Centre by-election.
[5] Defeated by seven votes on election night,[6][7] the number was reduced to two when official results were announced.
[10] His Progressive Conservative opponent appealed to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court,[11] and in February 1990, the by-election was declared invalid and MacNeil's victory voided.