Fianna Fáil’s James Lawless will return to Dáil Éireann to serve his third term as a TD, following his election in Kildare North.

In the outgoing Government, Mr Lawless (48) was a Minister of State in the Department of Transport.

Prior to his first election to the Dáil in 2016, Mr Lawless had served as a county councillor since 2014. He served as mayor of Naas during his time as a councillor. Before becoming an elected representative, he was activist campaigning on various commuter issues.

Mr Lawless is trained as a barrister, having attended King’s Inn. He also worked for VHI Healthcare insurance. He has degrees in maths and computer science from Trinity College Dublin.

Originally from Wexford, he lives in Sallins with his wife Ailish, a primary schoolteacher. They have two daughters.