The members of the Ballina Electoral Area this week paid tribute to their former Mayo County Council colleague Michelle Mulherin on her election to the 31st Dáil. Dep Mulherin was first elected to represent the people of the Ballina area in the county council in 2004, before successfully retaining her seat in 2009.
“I wish to congratulate Michelle on her success in getting elected as a TD for Mayo,” said Cllr Jarlath Munnelly. “It’s a great achievement and I wish her all the best along with her four Mayo colleagues in the Dáil.” Dep Mulherin, who attended the opening stages of the meeting, thanked the councillors and the staff, saying that she had very much enjoyed working with them for the past number of years and had learned quite a lot since 2004. She also said that it was now time for her to go on and experience new things and to continue to try and do her best for the people of Ballina.
“She will be a loss to the council,” said Cllr Seamus Weir. “She has been at the forefront of a number of major projects and issues during her time here.” Cllr Eddie Staunton also paid tribute to Dep Mulherin. “I’m sad to see her go, but hopefully she will be able to do very good things in her new position,” he said.
“It is a fantastic achievement and I hope she enjoys her term in the Dáil,” Cllr Annie May Reape told the meeting.
“When we were both elected to Ballina Town Council a few years ago, I supported her for the position of mayor because she got a huge personal vote in the town,” Cllr Gerry Ginty added. “For whatever reason, she didn’t get it. But I told her after not to worry that the people would judge her again at a later date and they have and congratulations to her.”
On behalf of the council and the staff, director of services Paddy Mahon wished Michelle Mulherin all the best in her new role as TD and said he hoped they would continue to work together on a number of projects in the future. The elected members and the council management also congratulated Dara Calleary on being re-elected to the Dáil last weekend.
