He worked in Irish language theatre, and is a former manager and artistic director of An Taibhdhearc.

[3] He also worked in television production as producer of Fair City and Ros na Rún, and in community development projects.

[4] He first entered politics as a member of the Labour Party, unsuccessfully contesting the Connemara area of Galway County Council at the 2004 local elections.

[7] In November 2017, he left Sinn Féin, citing "serious disciplinary issues" within the party.

[9] He resigned from Seanad Éireann on 5 February 2018, to take up a new role at the television station TG4.