Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD
After becoming a teacher in Sheriff Street in March 2000, Aodhán was inspired to get involved in politics to further the causes of the disadvantaged and voiceless in our society.
Oringinally from Malahide in North County Dublin, Aodhán's family originally hail from the North Inner City and are steeped in the Republican and Labour tradition. However it was the rights of children in an area of acute disadvantage which politicised him enough to stand for election and was elected to Dublin City Council in June 2004.
With educational disadvantage still at the top of his political agenda, Aodhán has become increasingly involved in issues such as housing, planning, drugs and youth facilities. Aodhán's exploits with his school Gaelic football team have been the focus of much local and national media attention and was the subject of the Documentary on One programme on RTE Radio in 2005 with a celebrated piece entitled 'Playing with Pride'. As Deputy Lord Mayor in 2006, Aodhán launched his Right to Read Campaign in an effort to challenge the poor literacy rates in disadvantaged areas. As a result, over €1 million was secured for investment in the library service meaning that every Dublin city library is now open six days a week for the first time. Investment has also been secured for the establishment of Homework Clubs within each of our libraries.
In February 2011, Aodhán was elected as a Labour TD for Dublin North Central. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Education & Social Protection Committee and he has used this position to continue his campaign to combat Educational Disadvantage.
Aodhan's summer 2012 newsletter
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