Minister Eamon Ryan backs local green councillors on Mullingar canvass

Westmeath has “two of the best” Green Party councillors in the country, according to their party leader.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan was speaking in Mullingar today on the campaign trail ahead of local and European elections this Friday.

He urged people to vote for incumbent local greens, Cllr Hazel Smyth and Cllr Louise Heavin.

“They’re two of our best councillors; two young women with a real sense of vision for the future," he said.

"They’re very much from the towns, both Athlone and Mullingar, and they’re born, raising, living and raising children here.

“They are committed to the green cause and that’ll benefit each town.”

Minister Ryan said the pair have excelled in their roles as local representatives thus far.

“You’ve seen it, Hazel was mayor here and was fantastic, she brought forward renewable energy projects and made them real,” he said.

“Same with Louise in Athlone and the bridge across the town, it speaks volumes about where we’re going.

“For practical improvements to each town, vote green and I think it will make a big difference for the next five years.”

Carol Okeke is also seeking election for the greens in the Kinnegad electoral area and Senator Pauline O’Reilly is the party’s MEP candidate for Midlands North West.