Cosgrove to contest local election for Labour

NESSA Cosgrove was selected to contest the local elections for the Labour Party in May in the Sligo-Strandhill ward. The convention was attended by Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin TD.

Addressing members of the Party at the selection convention Cosgrove said: “I believe in what Labour stands for through its principles of honesty, equality of access and fairness for all people living on this island.

“With my experience in youth and community work, it is in my nature to be involved in my local community, trying to make a difference to my community, our town and our society.

“I have worked as a youth worker for over 20 years, 15 of those here in Sligo and I understand the needs of young people and the issues they face. I work with the Home Youth Liaison Service in 3 post primary schools in Sligo where I support vulnerable young people and their families.”

Ms. Cosgrove has worked within the voluntary and community sector for all of the professional life: “I understand the precarious work conditions experienced right throughout this sector, particularly in the areas of low pay and insecure and short term work contracts. I have also seen first-hand the knock-on adverse and often detrimental effects these working conditions have on the vulnerable people that use and need these essential services.

“But most importantly I absolutely love Sligo. Both my husband and I are complete blow-ins. I am originally from Bandon in Co. Cork and Conor is from Cootehill in Co. Cavan, neither of us have any family connection here whatsoever. The people and landscape of Sligo welcomed us here in 2003 where we have replanted our roots and set up our home. Our three children are true Sligo townies and are involved in many clubs and groups in the town. We have everything on our doorstep here in Sligo. Almost everything you want and need, - everything however except jobs.

“We need better infrastructure to support job creation and to ensure that people who are lucky enough to live here can also work here. Unfortunately there is no sitting Labour councillor in Sligo at present despite the tireless work done by Marcella McGarry when she was a Councillor and Mayor. The Labour Party nationally has suffered very hard knocks over the last 5 years but I know that Sligo is traditionally a very strong Labour voting town and I think there is a gap here where we can once again regain a strong, progressive and hard-working vote.”