Gender should not limit your ambition

I come from a family of politicians. Watching my mother, who was a councillor for over 25 years, gave me great encouragement and she was inspirational in my decision to go for the county council.

A female perspective can make a positive and unique contribution. Not because women think the same, but because we bring lived experiences that can sometimes be different. In a county like County Cavan, many women are balancing work, family life, caring responsibilities, and community involvement all at once. That gives us a very practical understanding of how decisions around childcare, transport, housing, healthcare, and rural services affect everyday life.

I believe women often approach leadership in a way that looks for common ground and long-term solutions. That can be especially valuable in local government, where relationships and trust really matter.

At the same time, I think it’s important to say that good leadership isn’t about gender - it’s about commitment, empathy, and integrity. But having more women at the table ensures that decisions reflect the full reality of our communities. For me, it’s about making sure every voice in Cavan feels represented and heard.

Celebrating International Women’s Day is important because it gives us a moment to recognise both how far women have come and how far we still have to go. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of women in our homes, workplaces, and communities - the women who lead, who care, who build businesses, who volunteer, and who quietly hold so much together. Their contributions deserve to be seen and valued.