Catherine Byrne Politician

Catherine Byrne (born 26 February 1956) is an Irish Fine Gael politician. She has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin South–Central constituency since 2007. She stood unsuccessfully as a candidate at the 2002 general election, she was elected on her next attempt at the 2007 general election. She was a member of Dublin City Council for the South West Inner City electoral area and served for a term as Lord Mayor in 2005.She was party deputy spokesperson on Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with special responsibility for National Drugs Strategy from 2007–2010. From July 2010 to March 2011, she was party spokesperson on Older Citizens.Byrne was leader of St. Michael's Folk/Gospel Group for 15 years and has completed a two year Lay Ministry Course in All Hallows College, and also holds a Diploma in Catering.In 2006 she was granted a coat of arms by the Chief Herald of Ireland.