Cllr Lawless is town’s first SF Cathaoirleach
CLLR NICOLA LAWLESS was elected cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District for the coming year, the first Sinn Féin councillor to hold the position in Greystones.
‘It really is a great honour to hold this important position,’ said Cllr Lawless. ‘I am privileged to find myself playing a part in history again as the first Sinn Fein Cllr to be elected as Cathaoirleach for the Greystones District. It was also a moment in history back in 2014 when the people of Greystones elected me to serve as the first Sinn Fein councillor for the area. To be invited now to lead the municipal district as Chair is quite the honour.’
She said that it shows how the political landscape is changing. ‘Now the people across the state are anxious for a new approach to both national and local politics,’ said Cllr Lawless.
With regard to the historical significance of her appointment, Cllr Lawless said that Maria Curren was the first woman elected for Sinn Féin in Wicklow in 1920, going on to become Cathaoirleach. She said that following in her footsteps is a great honour for her and her family.
‘I’m looking forward to the year a head and to working closely with the staff here in the Greystones Municipal District. I am committed to giving 100 per cent to the responsibly that comes with this job,’ said the Cathaoirleach.
‘As a councillor I have always listened to the people and worked for the interests of the community and businesses in our District and across the whole County. I will continue to strive to help improve the lives of the people and encourage continued growth in the towns and villages of our garden County.
‘As Cathaoirleach I will be fair and inclusive, I will always make space for each of our members to speak, and I will positively promote honest, robust and healthy debate.’
In conclusion Cllr Lawless said that cooperation and communication has delivered for Greystones and will continue to do so.
‘As a district we are now heading into our last year before the 2019 elections and reflecting back, I must say we have achieved some great work around the whole district, from footpath schemes, road improvements and grants for our community. Our new walking trails were opened just this evening and our fabulous new playground that will be opened soon. Our Marina and Club houses were also delivered to name just a few of so many projects. For so long as we honestly and respectfully cooperate and communicate, there is so much more that we can achieve and I look forward to continue helping to deliver much more as Cathaoirleach.’