Formation:
University College Dublin : Master of Arts International Trade and Economic Integration
Carrière:
1975-79 EC Information Officer, Confederation of Irish Industry
1979-82: Administrator, DG Internal Market and Industrial Affairs
1982-84: Member of the Cabinet of Richard Burke, in charge of Personnel and Administration
1985-89: Member of the Cabinet of Peter Sutherland, in charge of competition
1989-1995: Member of the Cabinet of Sir Leon Brittan, in charge of External Relations
1995-96: Deputy Chef de Cabinet to Sir Leon Brittan, in charge of External Relations
1996-97: Director, DG External Relations
1997-2000: Director, DG Enlargement, responsible for relations with candidate countries of central and eastern Europe
2000-2002: Deputy Director General, DG External Relations
2002-2005 Director General DG Environment