Catherine Callaghan (politician)

Catherine Callaghan (born 1974/1975) is an Irish politician who serves as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Carlow–Kilkenny constituency since the 2024 general election. She is the first female member Fine Gael to represent the constituency.

Callaghan was a member of the Defence Forces and served in the Lebanon during her six years of service in the Irish Air Corps.^[1] She is a farmer and business owner who also works as a special needs assistant.^[2]

At the 2024 Irish local elections Callaghan ran for a seat on Carlow County Council, but lost by one vote. It was the first elected office that Callaghan sought.^[1]

At the 2024 general election Callaghan was elected to the Teachta Dála from the Carlow–Kilkenny constituency. She was the first woman nominated by Fine Gael in the constituency.^[1] The party selected her for their list over Pat Deering, a former member of the Teachta Dála.^[3] She was the only Fine Gael candidate from County Carlow.^[4]

During Callaghan's time in the Dáil, she has served on the Defence and National Security, and the Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration committees.^[5] She is the chair of the Members' Interests committee.^[6]

Callaghan is critical of Ireland's triple lock system and states that it allows for Russia to veto Irish participation in peacekeeping missions, with no missions being approved by the United Nations Security Council from 2014 to 2025.^[7] Callaghan supports creating a national day of appreciation for the Defence Forces.^[8]

Callaghan is the mother of three children.^[2]