Council boss seeks unique perspectives
A More Inclusive Politics for Westmeath (part 5)
Pat Gallagher, chief executive of Westmeath County Council, served as a public representative in Offaly for much of the 1990s. He found the seminar powerful, inspiring and encouraging.
He said local government should look like, sound like and share with, the local community. He remembered when he was a member of Offaly County Council, there was a small number of women in the chamber, but they made a big difference – “and so can you”.
“Get elected, it’s not as hard as you think,” he said, directing people to the information booklet produced by the council in collaboration with SHE.
It is an informative introduction to the workings and structure of the county council, how to register to vote and how to run for election or support a candidate.
Mr Gallagher said that the council’s ongoing mission of delivering more inclusive and efficient services can truly be realised with greater gender representation and participation from diverse members of society, and the inclusion of all the unique perspectives that they have to offer.
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