'Person of great calibre' - Ballina teacher co-opted onto Mayo County Council

The sister of recently-elected Senator Mark Duffy has been co-opted onto Mayo Co Council.

Marie-Therese Duffy, a primary schoolteacher from Ballina, replaces her brother who was elected to the Seanad last month. She was proposed by Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly, who said it was important to address the council's gender balance.

“Marie-Therese is a person of great calibre and it is so important to have people like that representing Ballina”, he said. “This is also an opportunity to increase the proportion of women from 13% to 17%, which unbelievably is a new record level, which is something we need to continue to address."

The proposal was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Loftus.

“I’m delighted to second the proposal. She is someone committed to her local community and that is so important,” he said.

With no further nominations and full agreement from sitting councillors, Ms Duffy was ratified as a councillor.

“It is an honour to be co-opted today. I look forward to continuing Mark’s work within our community. I’m committed to working tirelessly for our community,” she said.

While her brother joined Fine Gael in the run-up to the general election last year, Ms Duffy has been co-opted as an Independent councillor.