1988:

Studies in geography

1986- :

Employed as a carpenter

1985:

Worked on a project for the Norwegian Institute for Water Research

2001-2005 :

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Business and Industry

2000:

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Energy and the Environment

1997-2000:

Member of the Standing Committee on Energy and the Environment

1996-1997:

Member of the Enlarged Foreign Affairs Committee

1993-1997:

Second Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Justice

1993:

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Justice

1989-1993:

Member of the Standing Committee on Justice

2001- 2005:

Deputy member of the Norwegian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

1997-2000:

Member of the EEA Consultative Committee, deputy member of the Norwegian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

1996-1997:

Member of the Norwegian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

1993-1996:

Deputy member of the Norwegian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

2000-2001:

Minister of Petroleum and Energy

1983-1989:

Member of the Stord Municipal Executive Board

1998-2001:

Chairman of the Stord Labour Party

1996-2000,

1986-1988:

Member of the board of the Hordaland Labour Party

1985-1988:

Member of the board of the Hordaland Labour Youth League

1983-1985:

Member of the board of the Stord Labour Party

1983-1985:

Chairman of the Stord Labour Youth League