THE chairman of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, Mr Bernard Keeley, is not likely to be daunted by the media spotlight which has focused on him, writes Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill.
A native of Tullamore, Co Offaly, his day job is preparing teachers to teach the new compulsory citizenship course in schools, which is called Civic, Social and Political Education.
Mr Keeley (32), who is the treasurer of his local group water scheme at Barnaderg, Tuam, says he has no involvement with any political party. "I have never been a member of a political party," he says.
The emphasis on the new course is on "active, participative citizenship", presumably including tips on how to form a successful pressure group.
A graduate in economics and philosophy from UCD and UCG, he undertook post graduate studies in marketing in UCG and worked in the insurance industry for a year before turning to the teaching profession.