From a very young age, I devoured anything political. Read newspapers, watched television programs, argued with my parents. When I was 16, I joined a political youth organisation.
I was quickly invited to join the committee of the local branch. I started with organising regular meetings. I went on to become the chair of the local branch, then member of the regional committee, and eventually the International Secretary in the national executive council.
I moved on to the political party that the youth organisation was affiliated with, and again served in a number of officership positions and ran (unsuccessfully) for election for the local council.
Then I moved country, following my wife to her native Ireland. Initially, I thought this would be the end of my political activities, as Irish politics is quite different from the Dutch system. However, encouraged by my parents in law, I went to a meeting of Fine Gael.
I again soon became involved. I served in officer positions at branch, constituency, and national level, during two terms as a member of the Executive Council.
I also was a Director of Elections for both Local Elections and General Elections in my constituency – increasing the number of TD’s (Teachta Dála, or Member of Parliament) from one to two. And as Chairman of the constituency oversaw the next election increasing this tally from two to three out of five, with the assistance of a brilliant new Director of Elections.
I am now no longer as involved, but still support the party both at a grassroots level – distributing leaflets for local councilors for example – and am still an officer for my local constituency.