1985:

Cand.mag. degree in political science, economics and public law, University of Oslo

2001-2005 :

Member of the Standing Committee on Local Government

1997-2000:

First Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Transport and Communications

1993-1996:

Member of the Enlarged Foreign Affairs Committee

1993-1996:

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

1990-1993:

First Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

1989-1993:

Member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

1985-1989:

Member of the Standing Committee on Local Government and the Environment

1997-2000:

Member of the Norwegian Delegation to the Nordic Council

2000-2001:

Minister of Finance

1996-1997:

Minister of Fisheries

1979-1985:

Member of the Vardø Municipal Council

1996:

Chairman of the Vardø Labour Party

1987-1991:

Member of the Executive Committee of the Atlantic Association of Young Political Leaders

1987-1988:

Member of the Labour Party Housing Committee

1985-1989:

Member of the Labour Youth League Central Executive Committee

1983-1985:

Deputy chairman of the Labour Party group in the Vardø Municipal Council

1980-1985:

Member of the board of the Finnmark Labour Youth League

1979-1980:

Member of the board of the Vardø Labour Party