My primary degree is in Communications Studies from Dublin City University. Communications Studies is a wide ranging degree. I took courses in subjects such as Sociology, Film Studies, Linguistics and Creative Writing. I also produced, directed and edited TV and radio programmes. I was a very active member of the DCU Media Production Society, co-presenting the Breakfast Show on DCUFM in my final year. My thesis was an as yet unpublished feature length film screenplay. I was awarded a 2:1 in Autumn 2000.

I have recently completed an MA in European Studies at the Dublin European Institute at University College Dublin where I studied European politics, history and thought. I took classes in topics ranging from 'European Union Institutions' through 'Post Communist Transitions in Central Europe' to 'Cultural Memory'. My thesis research was on the role of Prague Castle in Czech history and politics. I have not yet received my results, but expect to be awarded first class honours.

I am a native English speaker. I have competent written and spoken French and Irish, and have studied German and Spanish at university level. I lived and worked in Lyon for four months in 1999.

I have excellent Information Technology skills. I am proficient in the use of all aspects of Microsoft Office. I have radio and audiovisual editing skills, using software such as Cool Edit and AVID. I have experience using web publishing and image manipulation software such as Dreamweaver and Photoshop.

I have a full, clean European driving licence since 1997.