He previously worked for Donegal County Council, where he managed a water treatment plant and was a shop steward.

[9] He quickly became an ally of Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, elected as an independent TD at the same time as Pringle, but for the Roscommon–South Leitrim constituency.

Flanagan and Pringle would go on to support each other on many issues, including reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and opposition to the MERCOSUR deal.

[10] On 5 December 2011, Pringle delivered a televised address to the nation, representing the technical group of TDs in Dáil Éireann.

The 27 judges heard oral arguments from the counsel for Pringle, Ireland, nine other member states, the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament.

[19] During negotiations to form a government, Pringle said he was glad not to have signed up to the Independent Alliance, after that group entered talks with Taoiseach Enda Kenny.