Sinn Féin Councillor, Thérèse Ruane has announced that she will not be contesting the next local elections and is to step down as a Mayo County Councillor at the end of this year. Ruane was first elected to Castlebar Town Council in 2009 having be co-opted on to the council to replace Noel Campbell, she subsequently won that seat in the next Town Council elections and in 2014 was elected a member of Mayo County Council in the Castlebar Municipal District getting 1,375 first preference votes and taking the third seat in the district. She was also part of two person Sinn Fein ticket in the 2011 general election where she was given 2,142 first preference votes.
Councillor Thérèse Ruane said, "I have now decided not to contest the next local elections and I will be stepping down in my role as councillor at the end of this year. This hasn’t been an easy decision for me. Due to work commitments it’s becoming more and more challenging for me to fulfil my role as a councillor. As a result, I feel it’s time to hand over the reins to someone new who can build on the strong foundations established over the years.
"Sinn Féin has continued to grow in the Castlebar Municipal District since my election in 2009. My reputation and record stands for itself. I have proven myself to be a very dedicated, hardworking and honest representative for the people of this area. I am really proud of my work in bringing equality and community issues to the fore at every opportunity. In particular, I have been a strong voice for women, young people, LGBTI Community; Travellers, Migrants and other vulnerable groups within our communities.
“As someone who is passionate about the Irish language and education, I am proud of my four-year term as a Board member of Foras na Gaeilge as well as my work on the Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board, having first been appointed to the Mayo VEC in 2011. During my time in politics, I also had the opportunity to serve on the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle and I was glad to play my small part in developing party policy and in bringing about peace and justice on this island.
“I am also proud of my work and contribution to sustainability issues and the development of public amenities such as - Turlough Greenway, Rehins woods and Lough Lannagh. An off-road Greenway linking the two, as was originally planned, must remain a priority for the town as well as the completion of the Kiltimagh Amenity Park and the Castlebar Mitchell’s Ladies GAA club grounds. I will continue to contribute in whatever way I can. I will support the local Sinn Féin organisation and my replacement Councillor to progress these projects and other important issues within the Municipal district.
I want to thank all of the people of Castlebar and Mayo who have supported me and put their trust in me over the years. Táim fíor bhuíoch as ucht bhur dtacaíocht le linn na blianta anuas. It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve them.“
