Career
She started her political career in 1996, when she was elected to the Kuhmo town council. In 1999 she was elected to the Finnish Parliament, and again in 2003. In 2002, she was elected to be the vice chairman of Keskusta.
In April 2004, she was chosen to be the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, making her the youngest minister in Matti Vanhanen"s first cabinet.
Her hobbies include cross country skiing, cycling, Nordic walking and badminton. She is also famous, or infamous, for her strong passion for karaoke singing.
On 17 April 2007 it was announced that she would be the Minister for Environment in Matti Vanhanen"s second cabinet. At the same time it was also announced that she is pregnant, and would take her second maternity leave from a ministerial post later in 2007.