WITH the announcement this week that Inishowen Fianna Fáil Councillor Rena Donaghey is to step down and not contest the June local elections that leaves just one remaining female councillor standing in situ.
Independent Cllr Niamh Kennedy has confirmed that she will run in June to hold her seat in Killybegs.
Sinn Féin’s Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher has also confirmed she is stepping down in Dungloe leaving the already imbalanced gender in the council not looking good.
However, that may change with new members coming into the council chamber after the June elections.
The sad and untimely death of Fianna Fáil’s Councillor Noreen McGarvey in Burtonport reduced the number of females further.
Cllr Rena Donaghey served on Donegal County Council for 25 years and Buncrana Town Council before that, serving Inishowen well.
Testament to her popularity was the fact she never lost an election in more than three decades.
Cllr Donaghey was only the third women in the council’s 125 year history to be elected Cathaoirleach in 2020.
Party colleague, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue paid tribute to her as an “exceptional” politician.
“Rena made a hugely positive impact on Buncrana in terms of its development and she has also been an exceptional and diligent public servant in terms of helping people on a one-to-one basis,” he said.
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