Charles Flanagan TD
 
Charlie Flanagan is the Fine Gael Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

He is experienced and able politician, having actively represented the people of Laois/Offaly in Dáil Éireann for many years.

Charlie represents a large constituency with a number of rapidly growing towns and a significant rural hinterland. He is a strong advocate of sustainable development and the need to develop infrastructure such as schools and transport links in tandem with new housing projects in order to develop and maintain thriving communities. He is committed to promoting locally grown Irish produce and strengthening the agri-food sector. He is at all times a strong and vociferous advocate in Dáil Éireann

Born and raised in Mountmellick, he now lives in Portlaoise, with his wife Mary and two daughters.

Charlie is an active parliamentarian and has introduced legislation on a range of issues in recent months, including civil liability, violent crime prevention and home defence. Along with his colleague, Deputy Alan Shatter, he played an active role in introducing private members legislation to enhance the rights of victims of crime. Deputy Flanagan has been a staunch supporter of the need for more community Gardaí in both urban and rural settings.  His 2010 justice priorities include introducing initiatives in the following are:

• Gangland crime
• Prison Reform
• Tiger Kidnapping
• White Collar Crime
• Antisocial Behaviour & Knife Crime

Having served as Opposition Chief Whip in two Dails he is an expert in the formal rules and precedent governing practice and procedure of parliament. He has published Draft Bills and Amendments in a range of areas, notably: Competition Law, Corruption, White Collar Crime, Fraud and Bribery.

He has contributed to publications and periodicals, both nationally and internationally, on a diverse range of legal and policy topics.