Why I got involved in politics

My father was a Labour Party Councillor for nearly 30 years so I have been involved in political life from an early age. I have been fortunate to witness first-hand how political activism within the Labour Party can positively affect change for all. The core values of the Labour party – Respect, Solidarity, Inclusivity– act as my moral compass.

I believe in a fair and equal society where all voices are heard and valued. Having worked in third level education for over 30 yrs, I understand the transformational effect education has on people’s lives and career trajectories.

My priorities

I believe that I can be a positive, ambitious force and vocal advocate for a better and brighter future for the people of Sligo.

My overall priority will be to contribute towards achieving a thriving Sligo within a thriving region.

My main priorities are as follows:

Increasing the quality, quantity and variety of social and affordable housing;

Improving access to quality health services, including investment in step down facilities and additional primary care centres;

Ensuring equality of access to educational opportunities at all levels;

Addressing the infrastructural deficits that will improve the quality of life for those living and/or working in Sligo, namely the opening of the Western Rail Corridor, the upgrade of the N17 and the construction of the Western Bridge;

Advocate for introduction of a daily morning commuter train from Carrick on Shannon to Sligo;

Increasing investment to ensuring Sligo town is accessible to all.

My background

I was born in Treacy Avenue, Sligo and moved to Scarden, Strandhill over 17 years ago. I am married to Martin Brennan with two adult children Lianne and Andrew.

As a passionate advocate for access to education, I was fortunate to study Languages and Marketing at IT Sligo (now ATU Sligo), where I worked in France and Germany as part of my work placement modules, which opened my eyes to the benefits of embracing different cultures. I worked my way up the ladder system, culminating in the award of a Masters in Education.

I have worked in ATU Sligo for 34 years where I have held a variety of positions , most recently HoD of Marketing, Tourism and Sport. I have lectured in the disciplines of Economics, Marketing, and Strategic Management.

I have contributed to regional development initiatives through my membership of several local, regional, & national boards/advisory panels. Including board member of Sligo Tourism Board, Western Development Committee and National Steering Committee of Campus Engage. I was a member of Team Sligo, which was a voluntary community led initiative to promote Sligo as a key tourism destination. I participated in many successful IDA visits to attract more high value jobs to Sligo and engaged directly with local SMEs as a key liaison between industry and the university.

In my current role as ATU Integration Project Manager, I actively contributed to the establishment of a unique university for a unique region which acts as a key anchor institution for Sligo and the wider region.

 

Clubs and Committees

• Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force
• ATU Sligo Drug & Alcohol (REACT) Committee
• SPC4 Placemaking
• Disability Consultative Committee
• Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
• Sligo Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee
• Hawks Well Theatre
• Culture Team
• Northwest Homelessness Consultative Forum
• Voluntary activities include:
• Sligo Hospice
• Relay for Life