David Culllinane

David Cullinane is the Sinn Féin Group Leader in the Seanad, having been elected on the Labour Panel in 2011, as well as being Party Spokesperson on Political Reform and Workers Rights. He stood as the Sinn Féin Candidate in the General Election in 2011 and polled 5342 first preference votes.

As a public representative David has earned a reputation as an honest, hard working and committed campaigner on behalf of the people of Waterford through his time as a City Councillor since 2004, and subsequently as a Senator. He also stood as a Candidate for Ireland South in the 2004 European Election, polling 32,643 first preferences. During the course of his time as a Senator, he has been outspoken in particular on the need to protect workers in these difficult times, and was responsible for the drafting of the Protection of Employees (Amendment) Bill 2012.

David has also highlighted the growing difficulties of unemployment in the South East, and has in recent years published comprehensive proposals aimed at getting Waterford people back to work.

He was previously the chairperson of an economic development committee of the Waterford City Development Board ‘Doing it for ourselves’ and continues to actively work to create employment in the city. Through this committee he has helped in establishing forums on the I.T and Digital Media, Green Enterprise and Horticulture sectors. He also sees agri-business and tourism as key economic drivers in the county.

David Cullinane is married to Kathleen Funchion, and has two sons, Emmet and Finn.