Shane McEntee (Fine Gael)

Shane McEntee has been a TD for Fine Gael since winning his seat in the 2005 Meath by-election. He held the position of Fine Gael deputy spokesperson on transport, with special responsibility for road safety, until October last year. He was recently appointed deputy spokesperson on agriculture, with special responsibility for food and fisheries, and has already had one of his proposals included in Fine Gael's election manifesto, endorsing Irish Quality food labels. Born in Nobber and now living in Castletown, he was proprietor of Dee Local bar for nine years. Before this, he was a farmer for over 15 years and an agricultural sales rep. He has been a Fine Gael member since the age of 15 and is married to Kathleen Corbally. They have three children. Deputy McEntee has been involved in numerous voluntary organisations, particularly the GAA, and he has trained numerous football teams over the last 20 years, including the Meath minors. He has pledged to work to ensure the provision of IDA jobs for Meath, retention of full services at Navan Hospital, advancement of educational projects in the county and the protection of the rural way of life throughout the country.