‘Lucky’ 13 for ‘underdog’ Bennett
Cathy Bennett’s election as a TD marks an remarkable rise for the Scotstown woman who was first elected in the Ballybay-Clones area to Monaghan County Council after the dissolution of town councils in 2014.
In that maiden attempt, she was elected in the first count, and cemented her position five years later when topping the poll. Her ascent even comes as somewhat of a surprise to those closest to her.
Mum Bridie McNally was close to tears after her daughter was confirmed as a member of the 34th Dáil; while her dad, Cathal, gripped Bennett’s sleeve tightly before seeing his daughter hoisted high in the air by supporters. Later he joined them in all in a rousing rendition of ‘Óró, sé do bheatha abhaile’.
Bennett, in her valedictory speech, singled out her dad in particular who she said “has fought long and hard for a united Ireland”.
“We’re another step closer daddy,” she proudly exclaimed, to a loud round of applause from those still at the count centre long after the last ballot had been distributed.
“Unbelievable,” an emotional Bridie told the Celt.
She quickly admits that Bennett has always been “a hard worker”.
“I didn’t think I’d have a TD in the family,” Bridie chuckles with delight. “It’s a great achievement.”
But being considered an “underdog” is something Bennett herself wears as a badge of honour. But those who’ve followed her ascension closely will say there we’re obvious markers to the contrary. She held the position of Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council 2017-2018, and is currently the Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Municipal District and Chairperson of County Monaghan Women’s Assembly.
Hand-picked by Sinn Féin’s Director of Elections by Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin in much the same way Matt Carthy was before her, when she became the third name added to the party ticket, Bennett insisted: “I’m in it to win it.”
“I think sometimes you’re better going in the underdog. I don’t think anybody read the picture, or thought really the possibility was there. But it’s the people. It’s not myself. It’s the people who have come out and voted for me who have got me to where I am.”
Bennett got 6,904 first preference votes, including according to tallies, more than 1,000 from Cavan. She continued to pick up transfers in the early rounds but, ultimately, it was an incredible 1,882 of David Maxwell’s surplus, that clinched the contest for Bennett at the expense of Pauline Tully.
By Count 13, unlucky for some but not her, Bennett had exceeded the quota with a surplus of 1,841 of her own to share out.
Bennett says following her elevation: “I’m completely humbled. It is beyond my wildest dreams. Honestly. I can’t thank the electorate enough.”
Despite her obvious delight, she reflects that her success is “bittersweet”.
“Pauline didn’t make it today. That was never meant to happen, realistically. Pauline did tremendous work in her time in Cavan. So it’s a bittersweet moment, but I promise to keep her good work alive, to work very hard for the people of Cavan and Monaghan. That starts tomorrow morning and will continue for however long this next Dáil term runs.”