Caoimhe graduated with a BSc in Molecular Biology and PhD by research from Queens University, with a DARD studentship.

She also completed a PGDip in Management & Corporate Governance from the Ulster University.

Caoimhe was elected as an MLA for East Derry/Londonderry in May 2016 and re-elected in March 2017 and May 2022.

She is currently Minister for Finance in the NI Executive and was formerly Chair of the Assembly Economy and AERA committees.

Caoimhe previously worked in applied horticulture research, highlighting her strong belief in the importance of investment in R&D and SMEs to enable local businesses to compete in a global market.