Baltinglass and Greystones districts vote in female cathaoirligh
Thanking her colleagues for their show of confidence, the Dunlavin native said she was honoured to take up the role.
'I was nominated by Cllr Mahon and seconded by Cllr Jason Mulhall. Both had some pleasant words to say about me. I understand I have huge shoes to fill following on Cllr Patsy Glennon. Patsy respected everyone's views, which is something I always admired.'
Cllr Cronin also vowed to work hard for the people of west Wicklow and carry out her duties with dignity and respect.
'Politics can be challenging as a female. I hope to be a role model for all women looking to enter politics in the future. I am grateful for the opportunity and believe progress is being made on gender balance in the council chamber.' she added.
There wasn't unanimous acceptance of the vote result.
After missing out on a vote for chair, Independent Cllr Gerry O' Neill nominated himself for the deputy chair position but lost out again, the second time to Cllr Jason Mulhall who was elected Leas Cathaoirleach after being nominated by Cllr Peter Stapleton and seconded by Cllr Pat Mahon.
Speaking after the vote during some tetchy exchanges, Cllr O' Neill claimed it was a sad day for politics in west Wicklow. 'The atmosphere here is wrong, and I believe independent voices are not being listened to across the county.' he added.
Meanwhile the ascension of Cllr Lourda Scott to the top of the table in Greystones now means that four of the five municipal districts in Wicklow will be led by women for the next year.
She was nominated for the position for the second time by Cllr Stephen Stokes and seconded by Cllr Louise Fenlon Gaskin.
During her maiden speech, Cllr Scott said she wanted to use the opportunity to highlight the work of volunteers across the district.
'From Greystones, Delgany to Kilcoole, Newcastle and Killadreenan we've got people who give their time and energy, often under the radar, day in and day out. They keep clubs running. They organise events. They protect our environment. Our communities wouldn't be what it is without them.'
She promised to highlight the work of young people and provide space for them to share their views.
'I want extend an open invitation to all of the schools across the district for their student body to meet with me, so I can amplify their voices and needs.'
Funding the outstanding repairs needed in Farankelly will be a key goal during her term.
In conclusion Cllr Scot said she wants Greystones to be a place where everyone feels welcome.
'I campaigned on a platform of inclusivity and want to highlight the importance of equality and diversity.' she added.
Cllr Scott will be joined at the table by Social Democrats Cllr Mark Barry after being nominated for the position by Cllr Louise Fenlon Gaskin and seconded by Independent Cllr Tom Fortune.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
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