Conor McGuinness (38) is the new face in the Waterford constituency. Originally from Dungarvan but living in An Rinn Gaeltacht, where he and his wife Pia are raising a young family, he was first elected to Waterford City & County Council in 2019.
He has an MA degree from the University of Galway where he studied advocacy and activism. Key to his win was a strong surplus from poll-topper David Cullinane which transferred heavily to him and having, in effect, having a clear run in west Waterford.
He is a strong advocate for community development, notably in smaller towns, villages and communities in Co Waterford. He is a director of the Waterford Volunteer Centre, and former company secretary of Cairde Credit Union, which covers much of Mid and West Waterford. He is currently vice-chair of Foras na Gaeilge – the body tasked with promoting the Irish language across Ireland.