Davitt aims to be an example to women entering politics
(Above) The new mayor of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, Cllr Aoife Davitt, sitting, pictured with her Fianna Fail colleagues, including her brother Senator Aidan Davitt, also sitting, and, back from left, Cllr Bill Collentine, Cllr Ken Glynn, Cllr John Shaw and Minister of State Robert Troy.
The new mayor of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District says that she wants to be an example to women thinking of entering local politics.
At the AGM of the municipal district this morning, Cllr Aoife Davitt was elected unopposed to succeed her Fianna Fáil colleague Cllr Bill Collentine as mayor. Between Mullingar Town Council and Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, she is the fourth female chair and follows in the footsteps of Ruth Illingworth, Detty Cornally and Betty Doran.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Davitt said that while most people finish speeches by thanking their family, she wanted to do it “first thing”. “Thank you so much for the support that you have given to me, always, in every mad, crazy idea that I have decided to do. Without them this would be impossible.
“Secondly I’d like to thank my workplace [Loreto College, Mullingar], who also have been so understanding, so supportive in my role. Thinking about today, the three [female] councillors we have in Mullingar, the three of us are past pupils of Loreto College, Mullingar and I think that in itself in astounding.
“Nineteen years ago I started working there and I started as a Civics, Social, Political and Education teacher. I suppose there is a real drive to show that women can achieve political appointments. I would like to put it on the map that it is in anybody’s capability if they want to achieve that.”
Cllr Davitt also paid tribute to Dr Michelle Maher of the SeeHerElected (SHE) (see page 4) programme, a new rural initiative to address the under-representation of women in local politics. “The work that she does, giving women the ambition and support to drive them to become political partners in our local and national governments is extremely important.”
Looking ahead, Cllr Davitt, who thanked her council colleagues, supporters and local authority staff for their support, also paid tribute to the frontline workers who kept the country going throughout the pandemic.
“I would like to wholeheartedly thank the frontline staff and those who patiently waited for our reopening. I am watching every day with baited breath for when we see other parts of our town opening and coming to life. As Billy rightly mentioned, with the fleadh coming and a new area plan, I know we will have better days,” she said.
Cllr Davitt’s appointment was warmly welcomed by her municipal district colleagues. Westmeath County Council cathaoirleach, Cllr Ken Glynn, said it was a proud day for her and her family and that he was sure she would excel in her new role.
Cllr Emily Wallace, a former opponent on the camogie field, said that while they may have worn different team colours in the past and are members of different parties, she looked forward to working with Cllr Davitt for the betterment of the district and county. Cllr Ken Glynn was elected as the district’s new deputy mayor.