Neary and Doyle take their seats in the county council chamber
A SPECIAL meeting of Wicklow County Council held last week saw replacements co-opted to Wicklow County Council for Jennifer Whitmore and Steven Matthews after their successful election to the Dáil.
Greystones native Jodie Neary of the Social Democrats will replace Deputy Whitmore, while Erika Doyle of the Green Party takes up the council seat previously held by her husband, Deputy Matthews.
Cllr Mags Crean proposed Jodie Neary to fill the casual vacancy arising from the election of Deputy Whitmore. She firstly described the recently elected TD as ‘a great local representative, who is very hard working and committed.’
Cllr Crean then welcomed Cllr Neary to the chamber, describing how the new Councillor worked for eight years as a parliamentary advisor and party administrator in Leinster House.
‘She is a local to Greystones and she has her husband and two twins here to celebrate. She worked for over eight years in Leinster House in different capacities. She worked with Independent TD Thomas Pringle and has been involved in six General Elections, four referendum and two Seanad campaigns. She will make an excellent local representative and it’s very reassuring to get someone of that political expertise and knowledge,’ said Cllr Crean.
Her proposal was seconded by Cllr Anne Ferris, who said she and Cllr Neary shared many of the same passions, such as gender equality and social inclusion.
‘I know Jodie from during my five years as a TD. I got to know her and saw for myself just dedicated how she was,’ said Cllr Ferris.
Cllr Lourda Scott proposed Erika Doyle to take the seat of
Deputy Matthews.
She described the outgoing Councillor as: ‘A great addition for Wicklow County Council and Bray. It was evident from my very first day in this council chamber just how well liked and respected he is.’
Cllr Scott felt that Cllr Doyle’s journalistic background would prove helpful in her role as a Councillor.
‘Erika has a great range of knowledge in council matters having covered meetings as a journalist for 12 years. She has a great relationship with the Council Executive and all the political parties across the county. I’m also delighted to welcome another woman. We are growing steadily here going forward.’
Again, Cllr Ferris seconded the proposal.
She wished Deputy Matthews well in his new Dáil role.
‘I know how hard he worked. He was an excellent Chairman in Bray and had the respect of all the management team. He works well with everybody and every party.’
She also had little doubt that Cllr Doyle would make an excellent local representative.
‘It’s a great pleasure to second Erika. I’ve known her longer than I’ve known Steven. She is very much involved in the local community and on the environment and climate change.’
Cllr Joe Behan recalled teaching Cllr Doyle at St Fergal’s.
‘She was a sixth class pupil of mine at St Fergal’s. She was a brilliant student, especially in English. She was extremely fair as a journalist and has been magnificent support for Steven,’ he said.
Cllr Irene Winters, the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, said: ‘I welcome you both to the Chamber and congratulate you on your positions. It’s a great honour and with it comes great responsibility.’
Cllr Shay Cullen welcomed the two new Councillors, while also taking time to pay his respects to the General Election candidates who failed to win a seat.
He said: ‘I also pay tribute to anyone who put themselves forward and think they deserve an awful lot of credit.’
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive, Frank Curran said: ‘It’s a great honour to represent your local community and we will do everything to assist you. I also thank Deputy Whitmore and Deputy Matthews for all their support here, especially in the area of climate change.’
Cllr Paul O’Brien said he was wearing a purple tie to reflect solidarity with the women of Ireland, while also reflecting on some of the online abuse female politicians in particular seem to be singled out for.
Cllr Tom Fortune said Deputies Whitmore and Matthews would ‘no doubt make a serious contribution to Dáil Éireann and to Wicklow.’
He added that he has known Cllr Doyle for a good number of years.
‘I know her father for even longer. This is a great honour. Erika was a fantastic journalist for many years and has very good knowledge of how the system works.’
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald said: ‘There is no doubt that both Cllr Neary and Cllr Doyle will be a huge addition to this chamber in the coming years.’
Cllr Grace McManus recalled her first day working as an advisor in Leinster House, when Cllr Neary proved to be of great assistance.
‘I actually know you from when I worked in Leinster House. It was my first day and I was very nervous. I ran into you and you asked me how I was getting on. You told me I would be “grand” and if I needed anything to just stop you and ask. Now, if I can be of assistance, then just ask,’ said Cllr McManus.