Working for people and delivering results is what I have being doing all my adult life.

In June 2007 I was appointed to the European Parliament as Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South following Simon Coveney’s election to Dáil Eireann.
As an MEP, I am a member of the European Parliament’s committees on Foreign Affairs, Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Fisheries and the Subcommittee on Human Rights. I am also a member of the European Parliament delegations for relations with the United States and with Iran. 
Since my appointment I am working hard for you, pursuing EU funds to help re-train and upskill workers around Munster who have lost their jobs in this terrible economic crisis.

Married to a doctor, I am passionate about health. I have played a leading role in the Parliament to improve access for Irish people to healthcare services in other EU countries, I have visited Chad and Gaza, and made detailed reports on my trips to the Parliament.

My roots are in the community and I served as a member of Cork City Council from 1995 to 2007. During that time I served as Chairperson of the Arts Committee, the Housing Committee, the Environment Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.
I was Chairperson of the board of directors of Blackpool Community Centre and the Blackpool/Glen/Farranree Training Centre, which caters for up to 50 young people who have dropped out of the education system. I was a director of the Port of Cork from 1997 to 2007 and director of the National Sculpture Factory, Cork Urban Enterprises Ltd and Cork City Urban Ltd.
From July 2003 until June 2004 I was Lord Mayor of Cork. During my period in office I:

• launched 'The Community Award Scheme' for Clubs and Voluntary Organisations in the City;
• travelled to Kenya in August 2003 to meet with volunteers from Goal, Concern, the Sisters of Mercy and other agencies working in that area;
• commenced negotiations to establish a twinning arrangement with Cork and also an arrangement between University College Cork and two Universities in Shanghai;
• nominated and presented the Freedom of Cork City to John Hume in recognition of the valuable contribution he had made in bringing about the Peace Process in Northern

I was involved in the campaign to obtain additional Government funding for youth organisations and served on the National Executive of Foróige, a youth development organisation. I am a former Chairperson of Young Fine Gael and a member of the YFG National Executive from its creation in 1978 until 1982. I was also a Member of the National Executive of Fine Gael from 1981 to 1982.

Originally from Dripsey in Co. Cork, I live and work in Cork city where I have been practicing as a solicitor since 1983. I am married to Mary McCaffrey, consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at Kerry General Hospital. I come from a farming family and was a former Member of Macra na Feirme. I was educated at Dripsey National School, Macroom National School, De La Salle College, Macroom and University College Cork where I obtained a BCL Degree.

"BURKE WILL WORK ... FOR YOU".