Mayo's new SF councillor sees Brexit as 'an opportunity'

BREXIT may prove the stepping stone to changing the political landscape in Ireland in years to come, says Councillor Joe McHale who has taken his seat in Mayo County Council for the first time.

The Straide native, a committed Republican of long standing, has been co-opted to the Sinn Féin council seat left vacant by the departure of Thérése Ruane.

Ms. Ruane has stepped down because of work commitments.

In a wide ranging speech, Mr. McHale said he had been greatly influenced as a younger man when he went to Derry in a minibus in the aftermath of Bloody Sunday.

“What I saw that day will always stick with me," he stated.

After hailing Brexit as an opportunity rather than a danger, the new councillor called for greater co-operation between Mayo County Council and similar local authorities in the six counties.

All councillors present welcomed the newcomer to the chamber at the March meeting.

Independent councillor Gerry Ginty, while describing Councillor McHale as “a true Republican” and “a man of principle”, said, however, he did not agree with him as regards Brexit.

In the various contributions, Thérése Ruane, who has relinquished her seat., was not forgotten.

She was warmly praised for the concern she has shown during her time as an elected representative for the oppressed and the downtrodden and her authoritative contributions at committee level.

Ms. Ruane was a member of the Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (ETB), the council's local consultative committee on Traveller Accommodation and the Cultural, Education, Heritage, Corporate Affairs and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee.

Councillor Teresa Whelan was chosen for the ETB committee, Councillor McHale will fill the vacancy on the traveller accommodation committee while Councillor Gerry Murray will fill his former colleague's shoes on the cultural, education and heritage SPC.