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.
He failed to win the 1957 general election but succeeded in defeating the Fianna Fáil TD Mary Ryan and securing his place in the 17th Dáil during the 1961 election.