Nicky McFadden was first elected to Seanad Éireann (Administrative Panel) in July 2007. She was appointed Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs, October, 2007.

Nicky is a mother of two children, daughter Caren and son Eoin.


A proactive community worker, she is chairperson of the Strategic Policy Committee (Planning) of Westmeath County Council and Westmeath County Heritage Forum, and a member of Westmeath VEC. She is also a member of the governing body of Athlone IT and chairperson of the Board of Management of Athlone Community College.

Nicky is the current president of the Athlone Guide Dogs Association and a director of a number of local organisations including the Athlone Regional Sports Centre, Athlone e-com and Athlone Community Task Force. Outside of community work, she has led an active life. She has a Legal Studies Diploma from Athlone IT, was a medical secretary for nine years, and is also a former ESB employee.

Nicky was first elected to Athlone Town Council in 1999, topping the poll. In July 2003 she was co-opted onto Westmeath County Council when her father, Brendan, retired.

In the 2007 General Election she received almost 6,000 first preferences and topped the poll in both the Athlone Town Council and Westmeath County Council elections.