Our work is discreet, strategic and outcome focused, providing clients with clarity and confidence in complex political and policy environments.
Simon Coveney – Managing Director
Simon Coveney is the founder and Managing Director of Waterfront Advisory. He is a former Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) of Ireland, former Government Minister and former Member of the European Parliament.
Over a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, Simon has held a number of senior ministerial portfolios, including: Foreign Affairs; Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Defence; Housing, Planning and Local Government; Agriculture and the Marine. This breadth of experience gives him a rare, joined-up understanding of how economic policy, national security, infrastructure, housing and marine affairs intersect in practice.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs during one of the most challenging periods in recent European history, Simon was a central figure in Ireland’s response to Brexit, helping to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement and protect peace and stability on the island of Ireland. His diplomatic leadership and deep understanding of European affairs were instrumental in securing Ireland’s interests throughout the negotiation process.
Email: simon@waterfrontadvisory.ie
Laura McGonigle – Director, Government Relations
Laura McGonigle is a senior government and public sector adviser with extensive experience at the highest levels of Irish and European politics.
She served as a Special Adviser to Government across three departments — Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Enterprise, Trade and Employment — working closely with Ministers to translate complex policy objectives into deliverable programmes and services.
Previously, Laura spent five years in the European Parliament as a political aide, supporting legislative work, stakeholder engagement and election strategy. She has also advised senior leadership teams within PwC Ireland’s Government and Public Sector practice, providing strategic insight, managing stakeholder engagement and leading high-level reviews for government departments.
With a strong understanding of how government operates, Laura is recognised for her strategic judgement, political acumen and ability to build trust across the public sector, civil service, and wider stakeholder community.
Email: laura@waterfrontadvisory.ie
Laura McGonigle – Director, Government Relations
Laura McGonigle is a senior government and public sector adviser with extensive experience at the highest levels of Irish and European politics.
She served as a Special Adviser to Government across three departments — Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Enterprise, Trade and Employment — working closely with Ministers to translate complex policy objectives into deliverable programmes and services.
Previously, Laura spent five years in the European Parliament as a political aide, supporting legislative work, stakeholder engagement and election strategy. She has also advised senior leadership teams within PwC Ireland’s Government and Public Sector practice, providing strategic insight, managing stakeholder engagement and leading high-level reviews for government departments.
With a strong understanding of how government operates, Laura is recognised for her strategic judgement, political acumen and ability to build trust across the public sector, civil service, and wider stakeholder community.
Email: laura@waterfrontadvisory.ie