“Why should I vote for you…sure you’re all the same?” This line was not uncommon during the local elections as I knocked from one end of South East Inner City to the other, in an effort to dispel that myth.

On the 6thof June, I woke up to hear the rain beating against my window… it was time. A sense of sheer panic and excitement came over me since I was fully aware that as each hour ticked by the votes were being counted in the RDS. It was the first time in months that I had a quiet moment alone to reflect on the journey which got me to that point. I thought of all the people I had met while knocking on doors and the importance of their issues and concerns being heard.

As I arrived in the RDS mid-day, I began to feel more and more like I was on a rollercoaster ride that I couldn’t get off. As one minute I would hear reports that I would be elected and in the same breath that I actually may not. Nothing prepares you for the uncertainty. Then around 10 o’clock that evening it was official, I had been deemed elected. As I was lifted high into the air on the shoulders of my campaign team, I felt relieved and honoured. I was deeply honoured because the people of Dublin South East had put their trust in me and I was ready to work hard for them.

Entering the council chamber in City Hall for my first City Council meeting, I was immediately in awe of my surroundings. The room erupted with sound as 52 councillors, the City Manager, and various council staff members made their way to their seats. The atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of the first days of school after the summer holidays when everyone chats about how they got on. I thought to myself this is a new council and we have a real chance for a fresh start.

In the months that followed, I attended City Council meetings, Local Area Committee meetings, Strategic Policy meetings and various other boards and committees that I was appointed to. One of the most important of those is the Dublin South East local area committee. Because at these meetings councillors get to raise local issues affecting residents, debate possible solutions and get a detailed response from the Area Manager; including, updates on projects and plans being carried out in our area. I quickly rolled up my sleeves and began submitting motions and following up on queries I had received.

Locally over the past six months, we have seen the unfortunate closure of our Ringsend post office, the successful conclusion to the MTL Dublin Port Workers strike and recently, the City Manager’s decision to commence building a 600,000 tonne incinerator in Poolbeg from December 14th which I believe is not the best deal for Dublin. Because of this, I have tabled a motion calling on the City Manager to halt the project before it’s too late.

The last six months have flown by and I look forward to continuously working on your behalf to bring about positive changes in the years to come. As always, I am here to work with you to find solutions to any concerns you may have.