‘A proud day’ for Cllr Smith

GENDER BALANCE Five out of 18 councillors now female

A new chapter started in Cavan Council Chamber on Monday as the daughter of the late Councillor Sean Smith, took his seat on behalf of the Fianna Fáil party.

Áine Smith, who is also the niece of Deputy Brendan Smith, is now the third generation of the Smith family to sit on Cavan County Council. Her co-option brings to five the number of female representatives sitting on the local authority out of 18 councillors (27.8%).

Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley invited Áine to take her seat, stating that it was a “special day, but a sad day” as she filled the vacancy of her father.

A gaelgóir and, appropriately during Seachtain na Gaeilge, Cllr Smith addressed the group in Irish, thanking the other councillors and the cathaoirleach, as well as members of Fianna Fáil for the nomination.

The teacher by profession then switched to English expressing that the momentous day was “bitter sweet” for her, as she would have preferred to have earned the seat in “different circumstances”.

“It’s great to sit in his seat,” she said in sentiment.

“I will work to the best of my ability. I’ve always been conscious of political work from a young age.”

She also took the opportunity to thank her family for supporting her decision, including her husband Cian, her twin boys and her mother, Anne, who she deemed her “right hand woman”.

“Family encouragement is always appreciated.”

Speaking about Cllr Smith's new role, Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley said “this is an important and historic day for Áine,” outlining that she was the third generation of the Smith family in local government.

He also deemed that she was “very well equipped” for the role and had no doubt she would be “hitting the ground running”.

Fellow Fianna Fáil representative, Patricia Walsh, also said a few words on behalf of the party.

She remarked that Cllr Smith has “big boots to fill”, gesturing at the chair beside her that Sean used to occupy. “Sean would be so proud.”

Fine Gael Councillor, Peter McVitty, also welcomed Cllr Smith to the council, offering his help despite the void of their opposing parties.

“We do work very well together,” he said, addressing each of the parties and Independents in the Chamber.

Fine Gael's Madeleine Argue agreed with his statement. “We have our party outside, but we are all here for the County Council."

Aíne Smith was selected by the party, uncontested, at a well attended event at Belturbet’s Seven Horseshoes Hotel on Thursday, March 3.

She will retain her seat until the next local election when she must stand for election or give up the seat.