Former Laois/ Offaly TD Olwyn Enright makes a dramatic return to politics

FORMER Fine Gael TD Olwyn Enright has made a dramatic return to active politics. The Birr woman – who represented Laois/ Offaly in Dail Eireann from 2002 to 2011 – has been appointed the party's Director of Organisation by Taoiseach Simon Harris.

In her new role, the former TD will be at the very core of the party's organisation and will have responsibility for election and campaign planning together with overall strategy.

Ms Enright – wo is married to Donegal TD Joe McHugh – bowed out of politics in 2011 citing family reasons.

She is a daughter of Tom Enright who had an illustrious career in politics over several decades serving as a councillor, TD, Senator and Junior Minister.

Her uncle, Eddie, was a councillor on Birr Town Council for many years, and passed away last year.

Her election to Dail Eireann in 2002 was one of the few bright spots in that contest for Fine Gael with the Michael Noonan led party taking a drubbing at the hands of voters.

Affable and outgoing, Ms Enright is expected to bring a renewed focus to the party in its bid to recapture its rural and law and order ethos.

Her appointment is also seen as a signal by the Taoiseach that he wants to attract more female candidates.