Tommy Gallagher is married to Eileen (Carty), they have one daughter and two sons and live at Belleek. Tommy is a graduate of Queen's University Belfast and a former teacher. He has played hurling and football for Fermanagh and has been involved in the G.A.A. at club, county and provincial level. He has an excellent record as SDLP spokesperson on Education and campaigned vigorously for: - the provision of nursery education the reinstatement of Student Maintenance Grants the provision of free school milk the review of selection the introduction of Human Rights education the retention of small schools Since being elected to public office, Tommy has played an important role in the political developments in Ireland: - He was an SDLP representative at the political talks in 1992 and later at the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement. He also represented the SDLP at the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin. Tommy was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum in 1987 and to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998. Prior to the suspension of the assembly Tommy served as Deputy Chairperson of the Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee and in this capacity he lobbied vigorously in both Belfast and Dublin for the new hospital at Enniskillen. He was also a member of the Assembly Education Committee.