BY JEROME HUGHES
IF we were to invoke the metaphor of a lame duck, Independent Councillor Niamh Kennedy emerges as the last woman standing within Donegal County Council.
The term “lame duck” is often used in reference to retiring politicians, suggesting a decrease in their influence due to having a limited time left in office.
Sinn Féin Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher and Fianna Fáil Cllr Rena Donaghy have announced they won’t be contesting Donegal County Council seats this June. Very sadly, highly-regarded Cllr Noreen McGarvey passed away in December.
The only other woman successfully elected to the council in 2019 is Independent Cllr Niamh Kennedy of Killybegs. She’s confirmed that she will run for re-election but describes the current state of affairs as a very ‘lonely place’ to be.
“It was very disappointing that just four women were elected to the council back in 2019. Unfortunately, we lost poor Noreen. Then Marie
Therese said she’s not going to run and now Rena. It’s a very lonely place to be,” said Cllr Kennedy.
Against the backdrop of International Women’s Day tomorrow, Donegal County Council currently has just 3 female politicians while there are 33 males.
“The political parties have been asked to create a fairer representation and put women forward. I know Sinn Féin have been to the fore on that in the county but I don’t think the others have made much of an effort.
“It’s a hard job that can be very stressful at the best of times, especially with all the issues we have in the county like the mica situation. It’s a time of added pressure when we talk about other issues such as migration,” according to Cllr Kennedy.
While the ultimate goal is a 50/50 representation, Cllr Kennedy suggests a more immediate ambition should be to ensure the election of at least 10 women candidates to the local authority.
“We’ve been very poor. We’re one of the worst counties in the country when it comes to electing female councillors.
“Bigger efforts have been made to provide funding to parties and groupings to ensure that more women representation is out there. Local authorities can apply for funding every year for that. The situation must improve,” added Cllr Kennedy.
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