Political Platform
Naoise Ó Cearúil is a Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North since 2024. He previously served on Kildare County Council and was mayor of Kildare between 2021 and 2022. Ó Cearúil is Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence.
What inspired you to get involved in politics?
Politics, for me, started with something very local and very personal. Growing up in Maynooth, there was no playground in the town. I remember my younger sisters having nowhere nearby to play and I could never understand why a town could overlook something so basic for families.
At 16 years of age, while still in secondary school, I became involved in campaigning for a playground for Maynooth and was ultimately successful in helping secure it for the town. Looking back now, it was probably the moment that first showed me how local activism and politics can genuinely improve people’s lives. It taught me that age should never be a barrier to making change happen.
That interest continued through school and college. I was heavily involved in debating and public speaking and later became president of both the Irish Language Society and the Law Society, before serving as vice president of Maynooth Students’ Union. Those experiences gave me a strong appreciation for leadership, communication, and representing people’s voices.
Over time, my ambitions grew from wanting to improve my hometown to wanting to help shape the future of Kildare and Ireland. I entered politics because I believe our communities deserve better planning, better infrastructure, and better leaders willing to think long term.
What has been your proudest achievement in politics?
Some of the proudest moments in politics are the ones nobody ever sees.
Of course, major projects matter. New roads, schools, and transport links all leave a lasting impact. But often the moments that stay with you most are much smaller and deeply personal to the people involved.
Helping someone secure a medical card after months of stress. Assisting a family to access disability supports for their child. Helping an elderly person navigate housing or healthcare issues. Supporting a young couple struggling with paperwork to buy their first home. These moments rarely make headlines, but they can completely change somebody’s life.
“The Irish language is an important part of who we are as a people, and I believe it should continue to grow as a living language in everyday life.”
Naoise Ó Cearúil TD
Politics can sometimes become dominated by national rows and social media noise, but at its best it is about helping real people through difficult moments. That human side of public service is what keeps me motivated.
Who do you admire in politics or public life?
In politics, I greatly admire Seán Lemass. He had a modern and ambitious vision for Ireland at a time when the country needed confidence and direction. He understood that Ireland had to embrace education, economic development, and international engagement if we were to succeed as a nation. Many of the opportunities we benefit from today stem from that long-term thinking.
In public life more broadly, I admired Brother Kevin Crowley. His compassion and quiet commitment to helping vulnerable people was extraordinary. He represented the very best of us through consistent care for people who were struggling. His legacy reminds us that leadership is ultimately about service to others.
What drew you to Fianna Fáil?
What drew me to Fianna Fáil was its belief in aspiration and opportunity.
I believe people should be able to build a good life for themselves and their families regardless of their background. Fianna Fáil has always been at its best when focused on expanding opportunity through education, home ownership, enterprise, and community development.
I was also drawn to the party’s republican tradition and strong connection to Irish identity, culture, and language. The Irish language is an important part of who we are as a people, and I believe it should continue to grow as a living language in everyday life.
What are your key priorities for Kildare North?
Kildare North is one of the fastest growing areas in Ireland and my biggest priority is ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with that growth.
Too often, communities see thousands of homes built before the supporting infrastructure arrives. We need more school places, healthcare capacity, childcare facilities, sports amenities, public transport, and community spaces delivered alongside housing rather than years afterwards.
Transport is another major focus for me, particularly improving rail capacity and progressing DART+ West and South West.
I also believe Kildare North can play a significant role in Ireland’s future economy, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence. Ireland needs to prepare now for the changes AI will bring to jobs and society through investment in skills, education, and innovation.
What are your interests outside of work?
Most of my free time now revolves around my wife Aly and our 15-month-old son Liam. Politics can be incredibly busy, so family time is something I value hugely.
Outside of that, I enjoy cooking, following Kildare GAA, and spending time with friends and family. Living and working in the community you represent keeps you grounded and connected to what matters most to people.
