She is due to return as an MEP when the UK leaves the European Union.
She is a member of Fine Gael, part of the European People's Party.
She previously served as a Senator for the Cultural and Educational Panel from 2011 to 2014, a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork South-Central constituency from 1997 to 2002 and 2007 to 2011 and Lord Mayor of Cork from 2005 to 2006.