He was an unsuccessful candidate at the 1957 general election, but at the 1961 general election he defeated the Fianna Fáil TD Mary Ryan, and took his seat in the 17th Dáil.
In the 1957 general election, he did not secure a victory, however, in the 1961 general election, he defeated the Fianna Fáil TD Mary Ryan and was seated in the 17th Dáil.