About

Simon was re Elected to Dáil Eireann in May 2007 for Cork South Central.
He is currently the Fine Gael Front Bench Spokesperson for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. He is Chairperson of Fine Gael’s policy team, and has produced Fine Gael’s policy on stimulus and economic recovery policy titled 'New ERA'.

Simon was first elected to the Dáil in 1998 as one of Fine Gael’s youngest TD’s aged 26. He replaced his father Hugh Coveney TD following his untimely death.

He has held numerous positions within the party including Spokesperson on Drugs and Youth Issues, assistant Chief Whip and Secretary of the Parliamentary Party and Spokesperson for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

He was also a member of Cork County Council from 1999 to 2003 representating the Carrigaline electoral area.

Simon was elected to the European Parliament in 2004 for Fine Gael with over 120,000 votes. He was a member of the EPP-ED group and was the author of the European Parliament's Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2004. A member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, in June 2005 he was appointed the Co-ordinator for Human Rights for the EPP-ED Group.

Simon holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture and Land Management from Royal Agriculture College, Gloucestershire. He was also educated at Clongowes Wood College, County Kildare; University College Cork, and Gurteen Agricultural College, County Tipperary.

A keen fan of all competitive sport from Gaelic Football and Hurling to Rugby to Soccer, he played Rugby for Garryowen, Cork Constitution and Crosshaven Rugby Club. In 1997/8 he led the "Sail Chernobyl Project" which involved sailing a boat 30,000 miles around the world and raising €650,000 for charity.