Mark Lohan, the president of the Galway Council of Trade Unions, and chair of the Galway People's Resource Centre, has been co-opted for Sinn Féin on to Galway City Council, replacing Cllr Anna Marley, who recently announced she was standing down.
Mr Lohan, who is from Menlo and and works as a union official for SIPTU representing Galway workers in the health sector, paid tribute to his predecessor, describing Ms Marley as "a diligent and hardworking public representative who has helped deliver the Sinn Féin mandate in Galway City Central".
He will join SF group leader Mairéad Farrell, and Cllr Cathal O’Conchúir, in the council chambers. He said his priorities will be in advancing social clauses in public procurement contracts to ensure "local jobs for local people"; encouraging the building of greater numbers of social housing to tackle the housing waiting list; and being a "strong advocate for the poor and the growing coping class within Galway".
Cllr Mairéad Farrell said: "Mark comes to the council with a wealth of political and trade union experience. His strength is indicative of the depth of talent Sinn Féin have in our activist base across Galway West. I wish him all the best in his new role."
