Her seat at the table: Leitrim PPN to spotlight women’s role in local decision-making

The vital role women play in local decision-making will be the focus of a special event taking place in Leitrim next month.

Titled ‘Connecting Women to Local Decision Making in Leitrim,’ the event will be held on Friday, June 13, and features an impressive line-up of speakers and panellists. It is being organised by Leitrim Public Participation Network, WCI North Leitrim Women's Centre, and See Her Elected.

The gathering will take place at the Carrick-on-Shannon Business Campus, N41 N1F2, running from 10:00am to 12:30pm, followed by lunch. The event will be officially opened by Assumpta Kelly, Co-ordinator of WCI North Leitrim Women’s Centre.

The keynote address will be delivered by Nikki Bradley, Member of Seanad Éireann and a prominent disability advocate. 

Residing in Donegal, Nikki was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 16. Her accomplishments include climbing glaciers in Iceland, abseiling from Fanad Lighthouse in Donegal, and completing the demanding 24km Fan Dance march across the Brecon Beacons in Wales. 

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In recent years, she underwent a hip and thigh amputation. Nikki ran in the 2024 General Election but was unsuccessful; however, she was later nominated to the Seanad by Simon Harris.

Dr Michelle Maher, Programme Manager of See Her Elected (SHE), will also address attendees. Her presentation will explore the history of women in politics in Leitrim and discuss how women can engage with decision-making structures through the Leitrim PPN. SHE is dedicated to increasing female representation in local politics, particularly in underrepresented rural areas. With women making up just 27 percent of elected representatives nationally – and significantly less in many rural counties – the 2029 local elections represent a key opportunity for change.

A central part of the event will be a panel discussion, hosted by See Her Elected and featuring four local women with diverse experiences in community leadership:

Lola Gonzalez, originally from Panama, brings over 20 years of experience in inclusion, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. A strong advocate for social justice, Lola has worked with numerous Leitrim organisations to promote the integration and inclusion of new communities in Ireland. She ran as an Independent candidate in the 2024 Local Elections.

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Bláithín Gallagher is a passionate community leader, writer, and filmmaker with a background in health services research and a longstanding career in disability and ageing advocacy. She chairs The Model Arts Centre, Mná Glasa, and North West Greens, and serves on the board of the Sligo Rape Crisis Centre. Bláithín facilitates the Leitrim PPN Environmental Linkage Groups and has contested both local and general elections.

Mary Bohan, from Drumkeerin, has served as a councillor for 45 years and is Fianna Fáil’s longest-serving councillor, first elected in 1979. Her mother, Alice McTiernan, was the first woman to run for election in Leitrim. Mary has played a significant role in local community development, including founding the Credit Union and participating in the Drumkeerin Development Association. She has also held the role of Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council multiple times. 

Since 1922, only six women have ever been elected to Leitrim County Council – highlighting a century-long gender gap in local politics.

Finally, Bernie Mulligan Dolan is a tireless advocate for her community. She chairs both the County Leitrim Health and Wellbeing Committee and the Leitrim GAA Health and Wellbeing/Healthy Clubs initiative. Bernie is a member of the Leitrim PPN Secretariat and sits on Leitrim County Council’s Strategic Policy Committee. Her dedication is widely recognised through the many events and initiatives she has helped organise in Carrigallen.

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As part of the day’s programme, Treasa Nealon, a Manorhamilton-based playwright and co-founder of The Rabbit’s Riot Theatre Company, will offer a reflective moment with a reading.

The event will close with remarks from Mary McKeon, Co-Ordinator of Leitrim PPN.

Register on Eventbrite here or by emailing info@leitrimppn.ie.