Newly elected representative hopes to be a councillor for all generations, present and future

In her maiden speech at Meath County Council on Monday, newly co-opted Labour member Elaine McGinty promised she would be a councillor for all generations, present and future, as Covid-19 has laid bare the problems, inequalities and dysfunctions of some sectors of our society.

The teacher and former bank worker she had always been a proud trade union member, and champion of workers’ rights, equality and supporting the marginalised in our society – values and experience she wishes to bring as a new council member.

"Over the past few months, I watched the community that I live in, those around me in east Meath and across the country pull together. I am proud of our communities and the decency that has been shown by all generations to make sure no one was left behind in what has been a very difficult and isolating experience for many. I believe that the transformation into a more community-based society has begun."

Cllr McGinty paid tributes to the public servants working to deliver services during the pandemic.

"Housing and proper planning will play a role in the health of the communities we live in. My focus will be on supporting effective, accessible, affordable housing, built with communities in mind, where access to school places and childcare are no longer an issue, where working from home and all its challenges are supported within the community, where local shops and business can be supported, access to public transport, bicycle lanes, sport and leisure facilities are no longer an afterthought, a place where communities, not developments, can be built and thrive."

Cllr McGinty’s husband, Cathal, and sons, Conor, Senan and Padraic, attended Monday’s meeting.