by Louise Doyle

ONE of only three women to be elected to Donegal County Council has vowed to use her mandate to steer inclusion for her generation and to give women a voice.

Dakota Nic Mheanman (Sinn Féin) takes her seat in Lifford House having been elected in the Lifford-Stranorlar Local Electoral Area (LEA).

All eyes were on Lifford-Stranorlar LEA on Sunday where an anticipated battle unfolded for six hotly contested seats – and its excitement did not disappoint. While it was a slow start at Finn Valley Leisure Centre, pace quickened in the afternoon as tallies began taking shape ahead of the first count results shortly before 4pm.

Securing 839 first preference votes, the 25-year-old mother-of-one was elected on the eighth and last count on 1,357 votes without reaching the quota of 1,069.

Despite her young years, Cllr Nic Mheanman said she is relishing the opportunity ahead. Speaking moments after her election, the Ballybofey woman told the Donegal News that top of her agenda will be housing and representing women.

“It is looking like I could be the youngest in council, which I am looking forward to. It’s a big thing getting our generation represented on Donegal County Council and it is definitely something that is badly needed, and I’m looking forward to it. Female representation is very important for the area.”

Asked what issues were raised on the doors when canvassing, Cllr Nic Mheanman said housing was a red line issue. It’s a issue the young woman has personal experience of.

“Housing was a big issue and I can relate to that, I am on the housing list myself.

“Canvassing was strange. I had done it in the past for other people but it was very different doing it myself. You’re asking people to put their trust in you. It was a really rewarding campaign and I got good, positive feedback on the doors and that could be seen in the count.”