Before entering politics, Gibney was the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.[6] Gibney resigned from the position ahead of her entering national politics in 2024. Gibney was previously chair of the single-parent support organisation "One Family",[7] and previously worked as head of social action at Google.[8]
Political career
Gibney ran for a seat on Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council in the Blackrock area in the 2019 Irish local elections on behalf of the Social Democrats, but was not successful. In 2024, she stood for the party in Dublin in the 2024 European Parliament election in Ireland, placing 9th. Following the European elections, Gibney publicly discussed the financial cost of campaigning on such a large scale, revealing a personal loss of €20,000 after falling just 440 votes short of the 18,836 required to reclaim her €1,800 deposit. Running in the Dublin constituency, Gibney sold her car to help fund her campaign, raised €15,000 through crowdfunding, and received €25,000 from the Social Democrats, with total expenses amounting to €60,000. Speaking after her elimination, she described the outcome as "gut-wrenching" and highlighted the challenges faced by smaller parties with limited resources.[6][9]
In May 2024, Gibney's decision to step down as IHREC chief commissioner to run for the European Parliament raised concerns about politicisation and conflicts of interest. Internal meetings acknowledged risks to IHREC's impartiality, leading to governance measures like updating its risk register and limiting Gibney's duties. While no conflicts were logged, her attendance at a leadership forum against most commissioners' advice drew criticism. Gibney defended her actions, citing her commitment to a professional handover. She denied her departure was tied to pay discussions and highlighted personal financial sacrifices for her campaign, amid earlier informal talks with the Social Democrats.[10]
Gibney has stated she supports addressing the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence with a focus on its potential to create a more balanced working life and increase leisure time. She views AI as a progressive force if managed effectively, rather than solely as a threat to jobs.[7]
In March 2024 Gibney criticised housing policy delays in the EU, particularly Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe's late push for an EU-wide housing plan, which she believes should have been prioritised earlier.[7]
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